Reviewed by Tony May

The real thing, no less. Stomp­ing, soaring, rampaging black gospel (USA variety) at its best. Sledgehammer choral work, sizzling, gut wrenching solos urged to drastic heights by encouragement from the rank and file. Boy, if this don't move you, check your pulse! Your feet won't ask your head's permis­sion to start rotating, just surrender to the close sweet, pounding rhythms. Having said thatrthe long term fave tracks are likely to be the slower soulful ballads, such as the incisive "I've Been Born Again" which blends a near-traditional lyric with a plaintive vocal from Sue Sue, for my taste the ensemble's most striking soloist. Shiver-down-the-spine stuff, this specially when others join in with counter-harmonies and build the sound up to a controlled explosion peak.  Guest star Dorothy Norwood (ex-The Caravans) brings solid expertise to the lengthy anti-drug anthem "A Mother Cries", and a powerful plea it is. Alvin Darling has assembled a choir of formidable talent which brings almost vicious attack to the music, stretching it out to the limits of its raw, emotional power

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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