Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Building on the strengths of their previous three albums, Canadian rock group Downhere return with a stunning release that may just be their best yet. Containing some striking musical imagery courtesy of producers Mark Heimermann (dc Talk, Michael W Smith) and Stephen Gause (Jars Of Clay) plus some refreshingly articulate songwriting, 'Ending Is Beginning' finds the band on top form. Add to the mix the winning vocal partnership of guitarist Marc Martel and keyboard player Jason Germain and you have an album that surpasses all those Kevin Max and Casting Crowns comparisons of the past. Never content to write about comfortable topics, the boys excel in the thought provoking "Cathedral Made Of People" which paints the picture of the possible future persecution of the Western church whilst "Something Heavenly" portrays a bitingly honest image of the personal struggles of faith. To keep things fresh, the band mix the full on rock of "Bleed For This Love" with the infectious pop of "Coming Back Home" whilst the delightful Cuban exposé "My Last Amen" struts and swaggers its way through four minutes of pure joy. "The Problem", a protest song with a difference, is one of the best songs of the year so far but the same could be said for every other song on this spectacular album.

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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