Reviewed by Sarah Richards

From the opening "Love Song", these Connecticut-based blues rockers establish their gritty rock and blues infused gospel sound. With eloquent phrasings such as "I just need to find a place away from the embrace of relational dysfunction", this particular love song does not fall into the trap of the "Jesus is my boyfriend" style that some modern worship songs veer towards. The female vocalist with Driving Reign, one Tina Cianci, is pretty wonderful throughout but is most effective on the bluesy "Hold On" where her powerful and rugged voice perfectly captures the idea of encouraging someone to keep holding on in the midst of inescapable suffering. The devotional "I Owe" and the guitar backing on "Free" are two other highlights of the album, not to mention the well known and covered "Grace Like Rain". For me though, the standout track is the four minute long, guitar-led jam "Studio Blues". The skilful mastery shown by the band is hugely impressive. A band to investigate.

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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