Reviewed by Tom Lennie

Anyone who's heard a worship tune penned by Gareth Robinson will know what a terrific songwriter this guy is. Those who have experienced the Sheffield songsmith leading worship (as I have at Scotland's Clan Gathering) will know also how adept he is at this practice - a truly gifted worship musician. Best of all, he appears to have finely-honed sensitivity to the Spirit's leading, resulting in many beautiful moments where the worshipper's spirit gets lifted to the heavens, a full-on sense of being drawn close to God (which is of course a main feature of real worship). Thankfully these ingredients somehow get translated onto this live recording - from St Thomas', Sheffield - which literally throbs with exuberant praise and heartfelt adoration. Featuring 11 of his own choice compositions, the first few are wonderful bursts of God-exaltation. Two of his most infectious numbers are "Jesus, You Humbled Yourself" with its simple uplifting chorus and the equally endearing "Jesus Saviour". "When All Around I Feel Despair" makes for a striking modern hymn which could well carry forward into future generations. "Pearl" is an acoustic piano-based gem that prophesies the priceless value God places on us. More subdued is the earnest prayer-cry "Hear Our Prayers", completed in the aftermath to the 2004 tsunami. There isn't a dull moment on the entire album. Gareth has his own style and vocal sound and the album comes over as a breath of fresh air amidst a worship market often lacking in originality. Undoubtedly one of the best British worship discs of this or any year.

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