Reviewed by Peter Bate

Confidence has never been a problem for self-proclaimed Blackpool Britpop champs K. Whether playing to 15,000 on Greenbelt's mainstage or to 200 at the London Borderline, K's infectious stage presence has won audiences over everywhere. 1993's 'Know' cocked a snoot at grunge with its wave of catchy power pop. Last year's 'Sense' (yes, again the K carrier pigeon got lost somewhere between Blackpool and the CR office) proves less initially accessible with the dark opener "My Imaginary Friend" but after a few listens shines forth a new maturity. Keith Ayling develops a Liam Gallagher-like throat rasp, keyboards are replaced with a second guitar and producer Nigel Palmer creates a more spacious sound. "Everybody Loves You" and "Give It Up" fire with the same frenetic pace as 'Know' but the mid tempo gut-wrencher "If I Ever Stop" is a cut above the rest with its passionate refrain "Will I ride?/Will I fall?/Will your hands be there at all?/lf I ever stop loving you." 'Sense' could easily encourage interest from a Christian label but it is to K's credit that there uplifting sounds stand shoulder to shoulder with the cream of London and Manchester and maybe that elusive secular deal is just around the corner.

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.