Reviewed by Josh Dipple

This is the Derbyshire-based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist's first foray into solo work after the breakup of his former band GiveWay and is an album of considerable ambition. It kicks off with "Back Where I Belong", which owes more than a little to "Bat Out Of Hell", setting the scene for what aspires to be a set of songs to bring classic rock to a new generation. Sadly though, the delivery often fails to quite do the genuinely good musical ideas (though some, like the rather uncomfortable flirting with odd time signatures in "Midnight Blue" don't do the disc any favours) justice. The skill required to play every instrument on an album is admirable, but the results here sound at times no more than demo quality with some pretty dodgy guitar tones present, and drums that are sometimes just downright out of time. The lyrics could do with a little more consideration too, "Carpe Diem (Seize The Day)" is more amateur poet than Dead Poet's Society. There is, however, evidence of a degree of talent as an arranger in the quasi-orchestral piece 'Psalm 151'. A great demo to show the potential of a developing musician, but as a finished product, this doesn't quite make the grade.

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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