Reviewed by Ewan Jones

Trent Monk and Michael Neagle partnered up to record this album 10 years after meeting at college. In that time, Monk recorded a number of solo records while Neagle became worship pastor of a church in Texas, their home state. This first release retains a predictable country acoustic feel, with fun divergences into funk and pop - the songs are finely crafted and imaginatively arranged. After one listen, it comes as no surprise to find that producer Ed Cash also works with Bebo Norman and Caedmon's Call. Cash also contributes musically and shares songwriting credits on eight of the 10 tracks. However, the focus is on the vocal arrangements which are clear and catchy. Down sides? Lyrically, some tracks leave a little to be desired (a number of songs about their wives are nice enough but fall on the wrong side of trite) and at 36 minutes it leaves you wanting more - but maybe that's a good thing? There's a little way to go before they are sitting alongside the big boys, but this is an enjoyable, polished start.

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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