Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Having discovered Michael McDermott after the huge buzz that surrounded his performance at Greenbelt 2007, I've chased up his back catalogue to discover this gem. Released in 2000, 'Last Chance Lounge' features gutsy songwriting and powerful vocal performances supported by a well crafted roots rock that hits the listener in the chest both musically and emotionally. McDermott does a good turn at creating emotional, passionate music and there are plenty of Christian artists who could learn from this approach when so much of CCM seems sanitised and emotionally dry by comparison. Firmly placed in the mainstream, McDermott writes punchy songs that are free from cliché and yet yank at your guts. My favourites include "Broken Down Fence" which has a Springsteen vibe whilst the catchy "Unemployed" hides a darker side. The Springsteen comparison is meant as a compliment rather than indicating anything derivative so songs "20 Miles South Of Nowhere" gathers together the roots rock heart of the album and yet is packed with powerful story telling that is also found on other songs here. Like Springsteen, Michael manages to capture the desperation of the dead end and the hope that there is a possible escape. He's quickly turning into one of my favourite artists and although this isn't as rounded as this year's 'Noise From Words', it's still well worth investigating.