Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Sheffield-based Deeperwiderhigher make music that is difficult to pin down, skipping around the fusion of jazz pop and R&B. The blend is a tasty mix and this eight piece are accomplished musicians and their debut EP only makes me dream what they're like in a sweaty live environment. Opening and closing with excellent instrumental workouts, in the main body of the EP are four songs that highlight different aspects of the band's talents. The dual vocals of the diva-like Genifa and guitarist/vocalist Laurence work well on the thumping title track but mostly it's left to Genifa to lead the way. Sometimes this reminds me of some of the jazz fusion bands of the late '80s when it was going to be "the next big thing" and then I am taken back to the work of Seawind in the 70s - no bad thing. "Greater Is He" is a joyful worship celebration in jazzy style whilst "Maybe" starts with a suspiciously understated guitar intro before breaking into something meatier and then when the horns kick in!_ An infectious track! Just makes me think how you can't beat a real live, breathing, sweating horn section! "Prodigal" is more laid back and opens with the absolute killer line "Don't tie any yellow ribbons round the old oak tree for me 'cos I ain't never comin' back you see." Cool eh? Just made me smile but then so much of this does! Real music, nicely presented and capable of making tingles go down the spine. What more could you want?

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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