Reviewed by David Faulkner

This is quite unlike any other recording I have ever reviewed. Kevin Bell is a Colonel and army chaplain, whose experiences on the front line led him to write this music. Having performed the two songs here (which are also coupled with instrumental versions) at Hereford Cathedral School in an act of worship, he was strongly encouraged to record them, and did so with the help of choristers and musicians from the school. "Repatriation" examines the scenes we have seen so often at RAF Wootton Bassett when a body is brought home, but does so from the chaplain's point of view. "Heal The Flag" examines the pain of an army veteran trying to reintegrate into Civvy Street. The former song has some similarities in the bells and drums to "Do They Know It's Christmas", and the guitarist is heavily influenced by The Edge. The latter song has echoes of a folk song gone pop and is completed with a '70s-style spoken bridge. Both tracks are a little one-paced, but with memorable hooks. All sale proceeds are being divided between Veterans' Aid and the Army Widows' Association.

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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