didgeridoo (noun): a large bamboo or wooden trumpet of the Australian Aborigines.

Armenian duduk (noun): (pronounced "doo-dook") a cylindrical instrument made of apricot wood, has 8 or 9 holes and 1 thumbhole which provide a range of one octave.

Before learning about Australian instrumental group Rivertribe, I'd never even heard of a didgeridoo or an Armenian duduk. But those are just two of the many interesting instruments these Aussies utilize in trying to capture a worshipful tribute to God's creation. Among others, the band also uses violins, Native American flutes, Irish whistles, African drums, piano, and sounds of the Australian native forests.

Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble is the group's third release, but first with newly-formed label Elevate Records. It follows two successful independent releases Journey and The Blessing. The words-free atmosphere gives a soundtrack feel to it. It's almost the kind of music you'd hear set to a demonstration of some kind, or even whatever your imagination creates while listening to it. Oftentimes while listening to Did You Feel..., you may feel as though you can relax into a meditative state and think on God. This is especially easy with the familiar songs "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever," "Open the Eyes of My Heart," and the title track. It has a really tribal, really earthy feel to it. And with certain tracks like "Northwest," the instrumentation has a sound reminiscent of segments of composer James Horner's score for Titanic (1997). I'm not sure exactly which instruments are used, but it strongly reminds me of Titanic.

Did You Feel... serves as great "background" music if you just want to relax and meditate on God or even just worship Him. It's very soothing and reflective. If you are a fan, or just enjoy calm, thoughtful, multi-layered, tribal instrumental music, Rivertribe is the group to check out. Hey, sometimes the best things are said without words.

- Review date: 2/9/02, written by John DiBiase