Reviewed by Philip Crawley

The first thing I thought when I got this CD in the post was, "The new Hillsongs has come out pretty quickly." I had to look twice at the packaging to see it wasn't Darlene et al. The similarity didn't stop at the artwork -we've got a dozen live worship numbers here all very much in the style of the Australians from the Hills Christian Life Centre. So, what I'm really angling to say is that if you like Hillsongs then this will be up your street. The songs are all written and led by Lara Martin - Abundant Life Church's worship pastor (based in Bradford) - and were recorded live last September. The arrangements are big band with brass and choir vocals cutting through - the mix between congregation and choir is about right, but unlike a more black gospel sound these are backing for Lara Martin's lead. The standout piece for me is the penultimate track "God Is Doing A New Thing" - a slower number that stayed with me and one I really could imagine working in my fellowship. A nice touch is that you can listen to bits of the album on their website. Warm up that modem, you won't be disappointed.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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