Reviewed by Tim Cockram

This is a collection of tracks taken from their previously released albums 'Choices', 'Jump To Conclusions' and 'Manifesto'.  Musically the tracks are linked by Carl March's arrangements and the production skills/performances of Ed DeGarmo and Dana Key. Side one opens with "Hosanna Gloria", which has an introduction reminiscent of the jingles that accompany the opening titles of a 4.99 video. A rather inauspicious start. Generally the music is light and boppy synth-pop with clean, precise and rather 'nice' production values.  The arrangements are quite pleasant with some rather tasty synth timbres, such as the Mini Moog bass on "He Will Always Make A Way". The songs are well written despite the occasional lapse into a wimpy phrase or two, though none of the songs have a captivating hook. There are two standouts however, "The Sting" and "He Will Always Find A Way".  Both are rockier than the other material and have a lot of interesting musical ideas (eg Dana Key's astonishing guitar on the middle eight of "He Will Always Find A Way") This compilation will have a place in my collection as a reasonable example of synth-pop gospel though it shouldn't cause too many wry looks if the Ladies League caught me listening to it.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.