Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

The second in a trilogy of Psalms-based albums sees Oxfordshire songwriter Matt Searles hone in on what are commonly known as the Royal Psalms - ones that foretell of Christ's majesty and excellence. As a result, psalms like 110 ("King And Priest Forever"), 45 ("O King") and 72 ("Let Your Kingdom Come") are featured and, whilst Searles has written the material on this release and plays some acoustic guitar and piano, he has handed the vocal duties over to Scottish singer/songwriter Yvonne Lyon and Ashton Lane member Tim O'Connor who turn in solid performances throughout. Searles has also employed the services of Foundry Music Lab trio Graeme Duffin, Sandy Jones and David Lyon and, whilst their collective talents no doubt enhance proceedings, the fact that a number of other FML releases share the same default sound and personnel means that Searles' work here perhaps lacks the kind of individuality and experimentation it deserves - something he would go on to absolutely nail in the next chapter 'Tumbling Sky'. Nonetheless, this is a competent offering of songs that highlight Searles' skill as an interpreter of the Psalms.

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