Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

The early '80s journey of Daniel Amos through the 'Alarma Chronicles' took them through four albums and four different labels as they struggled to find a place within the Christian marketplace for their intelligent new wave rock. By 1984, Volume 3, titled 'Vox Humana', saw them embracing a few more synths and a sound that nearly a quarter of a century later is very recognisably '80s! Terry Taylor's songwriting still stands supreme though but it's the fun songs on this album that really push my buttons. "(It's The Eighties So Where's Our) Rocket Packs" is a superb sci-fi adventure that explores how the expectations of a previous generation were not fulfilled. "It's Sick" is a fast paced swipe at the injustices between the haves and have nots whilst "Dance Stop" is one of the band's fun songs and a rock'n'roller floor filler with just the right amount of silly moments to make it work. "Home Permanent" is perfect pop with one of those wonderful singable choruses. "Live And Let Live" allows Taylor & Co to indulge their Beatles influences while "When Worlds Collide" is a crisp new wave song. "The Incredible Shrinking Man" has one of those fabulous whistled hooks and more sci-fi references. Whilst obviously clever and featuring creative production, I have to confess that whilst the other albums in the chronicles seemed to have a high concept, this one passes me by and is the weaker because of that.

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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