Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

A fragile warrior is a Christian who recognises that spiritual healing and restoration only come through brokenness and total dependence on God with his strength being made perfect in our weakness. Taking that into account, you'll recognise that this is a totally different kind of worship project. Musically it's a magnificent mixture of sounds as western pop influences meet New Zealand Maori-style tribal rhythms and chants. Basically, imagine a worship album featuring the Haka that the All Blacks rugby team perform before their matches and you're in the right ballpark! Bonnie Low is from New Zealand and the album is produced by UK drummer Martin Neil, who is the ideal catalyst to meld these sounds together. If you're looking to escape from the blandness of the majority of worship projects, this one should be high on the list. Songs sung in English and in Maori with indigenous interludes that give the project a unique feel, whilst the songs themselves explore a variety of topics within the main theme. Standouts for me include the passionate worship ballad "E Hia Ana Mai (Hungry For You)" and the prophetic call and response "Signs" which is a perfect example of the mix'n'-match of cultures represented on the album. "Oasis" is an atmospheric, prophetic song with God inviting us to get closer to him, whilst the title cut is a powerful song of restoration for wounded Christians, who hurting have retreated but discovered that God has not written them off. Towards the end of the album "Salvation And Strength" represents the triumph of the restored Christian who has discovered that true strength is found not in the resources of self but in the power of Grace. 'Fragile Warriors' is a powerful experience both musically and spiritually.

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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