Reviewed by Ewan Jones

Originally a five track EP, 'Life Under The Sun' has been expanded into a 12 track concept album, a journey "from darkness to light" that features some of the best songwriting from any British Christian rock band in the last 10 years. Formed by guitarist/vocalist Richard McLester and keyboardist Sam Hanson, the four-piece have managed to garner much attention of late - through BBC-baiting publicity stunts (disposing of pianos by dumping them in the sea or setting them on fire) and also through winning a prestigious endorsement from Roland for the track "Behind The Rain". The music is self-produced to an extremely high standard for an independent recording - it's raw, gritty, energetic and beautiful. The guitars growl, the piano bursts brightly over the top and the vocals sit well in the mix - clear and big. Comparisons? Imagine the illegitimate genius child that Yes and Muse would produce, then throw in a touch of Mew and Sigur Ros and you know exactly where we're heading. Clever but unnecessarily odd time signatures, huge choruses, massive soundscapes of layered vocals and reverberating guitars and keys. The rhythm section doesn't miss a beat either - complex, creative and often subtle drums and bass add. It's all a little pretentious (but hey, this is unashamed prog rock) and with future releases McLester's voice will mature in all the right ways. Oposium could be the UK's most exciting Christian band - they are a breath of fresh air and deserve to be heard well beyond the limited audience of the church hall and the summer Jesus festival.

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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