Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

The summer of 1979 and two years on from "God Save The Queen", finally Britain's Christian music labels wake up to the fact that punk had happened. In the UK, there are a few punk bands worthy of attention like
Ishmael United and Giantkiller who've been making waves on the live scene. From the north west, the Bill Mason Band get the deal with Kingsway and rather unfeasibly hit the studios with producer John Pantry! Live this band were like a torrent of energy and noise but somehow in CD, they sound a little cleaner than I'd have liked. I've always blamed Mr Pantry for that! I wonder what it would be like to have time travelled the band from 1979 to Tooth & Nail Records in 2002! Dreaming aside, if you were around during those days, you'll definitely want to get hold of this. Plenty of it has stood the test of time. There's the immediate impact of the opening cut "Billy & The Rota's", the insistent chorus of "I Don't Want You". "Stand Up And Be Counted" still sounds explosive and anthemic with its pounding rhythm. The message of "Radio" is still as relevant as it was in 1979 with its "ain't no God on that radio" chorus. When it comes to evangelistically challenging material there's the thought provoking "I Got The Answers" or "Mr G" (complete with Sylvester disco interlude!) that were designed to connect with those searching. Whether you ever got a chance to see them play live or not, there's no doubt that 'No Sham' is a British Christian rock classic. Now I wonder when Giantkiller will get a CD release? Or what about 100% Proof?

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