Reviewed by Tim Holden

Agents of Future have been around for over ten years based in Portland, Oregon, but are not well known in the UK, despite an appearance at Greenbelt. This early album reflects their raw intensity and passion but does not necessarily make for easy listening. The opening "Open Us Up" starts with a bass rumble that is soon joined by a jangly guitar line and a chorus of unison, almost shouted vocals which hits straight in the face like a jug of cold water. It is certain that you will have not heard anything like this before and there are great tracks here with wonderful hooks, if odd titles, such as "UR Who U Say UR (Yesterday, Today and Forever)" and "Peacemeal (I'm Starving)". From a pure listening point of view it can be quite hard to get over the extremely over full vocal lines - there can be dozens of them at points - and often busy arrangements but it is worth it to connect with the passion and worship being presented and it gets easier as the album progresses. Definitely one to persevere with and it will grow on you.

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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