Reviewed by Trevor Kirk

This is the second CD from Vancouver singer/songwriter Christine, and, like her fellow British Columbian Carolyn Arends, she writes all her own stuff; but unlike Carolyn, whose music often has a decidedly acoustic/Celtic feel, the songs on 'Push' are pop/rock, with some crunchy guitar riffs, hard-hitting lyrics and in-your-face vocals. The songs major on looking for honest answers to lifestyle questions, and whilst there's little or no overt Christian content, anyone who's spent any time looking for answers to the ultimate questions of life, the universe and everything will identify with many of the lyrics here. Having said all that, I personally found the album rather tiring to listen to, with most of the songs at a similar volume and tempo, so perhaps there's something to be said for a little more light and shade, or perhaps a little Arends-esque folksiness (one of Christine's mentors is Peter Yarrow, formerly of 1960s folk trio Peter, Paul & Mary). Even so, this lass has bags of potential.

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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