Some partnerships are written in the stars—or in this case, in the church choir schedules. When Steve and Joseph first harmonized together at Hackham South Christian Church in 1987, neither could have predicted their journey would lead to "Look Up!", their most ambitious album to date. Released in the closing days of 2024, this ten-track opus represents not just their musical evolution, but a revolution in how Christian music can be produced and presented.
What makes their story particularly compelling isn't just the music—it's how they've overcome every obstacle in their path. With Joseph's total blindness and the geographical divide between Adelaide and Tasmania, Two Servants have turned what could be seen as limitations into their greatest strengths.
The story of Two Servants began in 1987 at Hackham South Christian Church in Adelaide, where Steve and Joseph first crossed paths. Their shared passion for music and ministry formed an immediate connection that would span nearly four decades. Steve, the songwriter and lead vocalist, brings his acoustic guitar expertise to the forefront, while Joseph, despite being totally blind, masterfully handles the production, drums, keyboards, and backing vocals.
What makes their partnership particularly fascinating is how they've adapted to modern music production. Since 2022, their creative process has evolved into a unique long-distance collaboration. Steve records his guitar and vocal tracks from Adelaide, sending them to Joseph, who works his magic from his farm in Tasmania. This unconventional approach hasn't hindered their creativity; if anything, it's enhanced it.
Their latest album, "Look Up!", presents ten carefully crafted songs that explore themes of trust, divine guidance, and spiritual growth. The title track, running 4 minutes and 11 seconds, serves as both an opening statement and a spiritual manifesto. It's an encouragement for believers to focus on divine guidance rather than earthly troubles - a theme that resonates throughout the entire album.
The album's production quality showcases Joseph's remarkable ability to create rich, layered soundscapes despite his visual impairment. His background vocals weave seamlessly with Steve's lead, creating harmonies that feel both practiced and spontaneous. The instrumental arrangements, particularly on tracks like "Dawning of the Darkness" and "Shine Your Light," demonstrate their musical maturity and attention to detail.
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"Look Up!" (4:11) - The album's cornerstone piece draws inspiration from biblical narratives about trust and faith, particularly resonating with contemporary challenges.
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"Dawning of the Darkness" (3:28) - A powerful meditation on finding light in spiritual darkness, featuring some of Steve's most evocative guitar work.
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"Abba Father" (2:34) - A intimate prayer set to music, showcasing the duo's ability to create profound worship experiences in compact arrangements.
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"Jesus is the Only Way" (2:34) - An unapologetic declaration of faith that balances doctrinal clarity with musical accessibility.
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"I Put My Trust" (4:16) - Perhaps the album's most personal track, featuring layered harmonies that highlight Joseph's production expertise.
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"If Ever I Should Leave You" (2:54) - A gentle reminder of divine faithfulness, with acoustic guitar work that speaks as eloquently as the lyrics.
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"Shine Your Light" (3:32) - A call to spiritual action that builds from a quiet beginning to a full-band arrangement.
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"Wicked Heart" (3:11) - An honest exploration of human nature and the need for divine transformation.
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"Marriage" (3:26) - A celebration of both earthly and spiritual covenant relationships.
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"One Way to Heaven" (3:08) - A fitting conclusion that summarizes the album's central message of faith and direction.
The album's theological depth is particularly evident in its treatment of Exodus 15:22-26, a passage that inspired much of the album's thematic content. The biblical account of the Israelites facing bitter waters at Marah serves as a metaphor for contemporary challenges, with Two Servants drawing parallel lessons about trust and divine provision.
Their interpretation of these ancient texts feels fresh and relevant, particularly in their treatment of everyday miracles. As they point out in their album notes, the everyday phenomena - from the earth's suspension in space to the miracle of human reproduction - serve as constant reminders of divine presence and power.
What sets "Look Up!" apart from many independent Christian music releases is its production quality. Joseph's work as a blind producer is nothing short of remarkable. His ability to craft complex arrangements and achieve professional-grade mixing, all while working from his Tasmanian farm studio, demonstrates both technical skill and artistic vision.
The production style maintains a delicate balance between modern polish and organic authenticity. The acoustic guitar recordings capture the natural warmth of Steve's playing, while the additional instrumentation and vocal harmonies are layered with precision and purpose.
Two Servants' journey from singing together at Hackham South Christian Church to producing professional albums speaks to their dedication and growth as artists. Their work stands as an inspiration, particularly to independent Christian musicians, demonstrating how faith, friendship, and modern technology can combine to create meaningful art.
The album's release in late 2024 marks a significant milestone in their ministry, representing not just their musical evolution but also their continued commitment to spreading the gospel through music. Their particular emphasis on trust and divine guidance feels especially relevant in an era marked by uncertainty and rapid change.
"Look Up!" is more than just a collection of Christian songs; it's a carefully crafted spiritual journey that invites listeners to examine their own faith while enjoying professionally produced, heartfelt music. Two Servants have managed to create an album that serves both as a worship tool and a musical achievement, proving that authentic faith and artistic excellence can coexist beautifully.
For fans of Christian music, "Look Up!" offers a refreshing blend of biblical truth and musical craftsmanship. For those interested in the technical aspects of music production, it stands as a testament to what can be achieved through modern collaboration methods and determined creativity. Most importantly, for those seeking spiritual encouragement, it provides ten tracks of genuine, faith-affirming content that points consistently upward.