Reviewed by Andy Cooper

Simon is a pre-school teacher and a worship leader at Key To Life church in Bristol. This is his first album and brings together seven of his self-penned songs. Some of the musicians will be familiar to sleevenote-reading fans of Vineyard and other such worship releases. So the production and musicianship is above average for an independent release. The song writing is mature enough too: well structured chord sequences, melodies that are easy to join in with and worshipful lyrics that are at times quite captivating ("Such Amazing Love" for example). Stylistically, it's not far from current Vineyard, while Simon's vocal could be compared with Travis and James Blunt. However, while the first five tracks provide plenty of interleaving acoustic and electric guitar riffs with an open, live drum sound, the sixth downgrades to a cliché-filled quasi dance track with rather dumbed-down lyrics and a childish tune. (It might actually go down quite well at Sunday School, come to think of it). But for the adults, at least there is relief with the closer, "Saviour": simple, soothing and sweet with the added effect of a small gospel choir.

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