Reviewed by Bruce Dennill

The slightly odd album title requires some explanation before pitching ahead with the music proper. Betel of Britain is a Christian centre with residences in Birmingham, Nottingham and Derby, committed to supporting and rehabilitating drug and/or alcohol addicts. Godfrey has the privilege of working with Betel and this stirring project, recorded at Godfrey's New Life Church in Lincoln, transmits a fervour and intensity that you are unlikely to find in your average church music event. The title track minces no words in warning of the dangers of underestimating the scope of the responsibility assumed when entering into a relationship with God while the opener, "Like An Old Battle-axe", is in similar vein. Such outspoken passion may not to be everybody's taste but there's no denying the power of the biblical declarations here. The next songs - "When I Look At The Blood" (which you'll hear on Verticality on Cross Rhythms radio in the months ahead), "Carry Me" and "The Poor And Needy" - are atmospheric, prayerful compositions that would encourage any worshipper and augment their experience. Then it's back to the blueprint for a couple of more rousing numbers before "Glorious Revolution" suggests what The Waterboys might sound like as a worship band, incorporating Celtic rhythms through mandolin, drums and keyboards. Stick around for the wonderful, knees-up outro, which makes it almost impossible not to grab a friend and dance a jig. There are a couple of production niggles (the voice levels in the first song, for instance, and a badly edited sleeve) but against that anyone who investigates this will find one of Britain's most underrated worship leaders engaging in serious spiritual battle on behalf of the hurt and broken. A courageous project.

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