Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

This debut album from the London-based gospel funk band caused quite a few ripples when it was originally released back in 1980. The group were signed to a new formed subsidiary of Pilgrim Records called Ebony and I'll always remember where I was when I first heard it. I was sat in the lounge of a Christian music management company who were considering taking on the group and I was immediately blown away by how strong and contemporary they sounded. Lyrically this is a very direct release and listening back 30 years later, it's amazing to think that it caused controversy. Maybe the vibe of black majority churches at the time was more traditional and so the sound of the group was very much out of the charts and there was also the business of "Light Of The World" and "Love Is Not A Mystery" which both had a reggae feel that was frowned upon because of the music form's association with Rastafarianism. But the album displays a wide set of musical influences in which the gospel message is set. From the opening solid funk of "Keep The Fire" and "Give Thanks" to the Earth Wind And Fire influenced "Spread The Word" and gorgeous ballads like "We All Need" and "With You", this is an exceptional debut record. Although never released on CD, watch out for tracks appearing on a forthcoming 'Best Of' CD to be released by Kingsway in the summer.

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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