Reviewed by Steven Bridge

One time frontman of fondly remembered Nervous Passenger, Neil is a poet who sings the sort of stuff you might hear at the Edinburgh Festival: acoustic guitar, thought- provoking lyrics akin to Martyn Joseph. Unfortunately I'm the sort of tabloid reading bloke who likes a lyric sheet to follow the words, because even after quite a few listens I'm struggling to know what he's on about. But thankfully helped by the excellent recording, I'm getting there, although I do skip the altogether dispensable hidden track which is best kept hidden. The lead track "Pondering The Rose" is a classic with an arresting opening line: "Hope is being lead-lined and still floating." Supported by a very effective sleeve cover (can we have more of this creative artwork with Christian records - where are the innovative artists/photographers for imaginative sleeves?), this five-track EP is distinctive and deserves to be heard - but it will take more than one or two hearings to take it all in.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.