Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

It's going to be an action packed 2006. Whilst rock band Verra Cruz have recently put the finishing touches to their long awaited first album, the group's leader and songwriter Marc James emerges with an acoustically-orientated alternative worship album. Well known for his edgy contributions to some of the recent UK Vineyard releases whether with his distinctive gruff vocals, fine songwriting or edgy guitar, 'King Of Glory, King Of Grief' finds Marc in reflective, laid back form. Having written, produced and performed the whole thing with a small drumming contribution from Paul Evans, the results are arresting. Even in a stripped down fashion like this, it's James' passion that continues to rip out the heart of the listener. The title track, which comes from an adaptation of a hymn by 19th century hymn writer John Ellerton, is a bittersweet observation of Christ's suffering. And that's the mood for a lot of this album. It refuses to be happy clappy and yet in its Psalm-like vibe, there's an honesty of worship in the midst of all the other stuff that is attractive. Other favourites are the simple acoustic "Thank You" and the fully plugged in rock intensity of "I Will Praise You". I suspect if King David were around today, he'd be stripping down to his ephod and making a worship album like this.

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