Reviewed by Rhys Laverty

Husky-voiced Bournemouth-based rocker Downward has spent two years working on this debut album and it certainly shows! Julian's voice is the voice of a man who has seen his share of life - having the mature growl of Springsteen and the commerciality of Bryan Adams (the latter, perhaps not ALWAYS a good thing). Next, you will realise that a fair number of songs here are pretty rock heavy! Notably, the screaming "Messiah". And we experience Springsteen-eqsue blues soul on "Psalm 5-9", boasting nearly the album's best chorus, but beaten by "The Passion of My Heart", one of the catchiest choruses I've heard for many a day. Heartfelt lyrics run thick and fast in this album, though the metaphor of "Summer Rain" may be lost on some. Also, the album's more intimate moments strive for poignancy but occasionally veer close to being whiny. Two years have been invested in this album, possibly why at times it seems overproduced. Some excellent songs but a somewhat patchy album.

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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