Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The Mars Hill worship team Citizens have made a spectacular start in their efforts to reach a national audience with their fresh take on worship music. Their "Made Alive" song from their self-titled debut album has become a major Christian radio hit. This Christmas EP got some airplay too. The songs are, not unexpectedly, the usual suspects - "Joy To The World", "Hark The Herald Angels Sing", "Silent Night", etc - but their interpretations are far from standard. The fervent vocals of Zach Bolen over ripping guitars and fast-paced drums ensure that this is not a version for traditionalists while their reading of "O Come O Come Emmanuel" has a bit of "Made Alive" about it with a tasty Hammond organ line and some indie-sounding drum rhythms. All in all, a high standard Christmas offering.

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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