Reviewed by Gavin Hand

Orange County doesn't just produce ska bands and dodgy soap operas. This group of musos offer a somewhat British sounding take on punk rock which at times is very reminiscent of the Sex Pistols though adding their own elements so that the album isn't simply a recreation of when Rotten and co first assaulted the ear drums. Considering the rather anaemic sounds of much American pop punk, this gutsy, cathartic effort is a raw triumph. The crunchy and distorted guitars are accompanied by slow and solemn drum rhythms that oddly still retain the punk feel while there are some surprising rock/country guitar solos which further add to the originality of Christ's Sake's sound. Lyrically, the band makes its intentions clear with songs like "Jesus Is Calling" and "23" and though the bvs don't always work with the lead singer's nasal vocals the effect of the album never ceases to be invigorating.

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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