Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Ciaran Smith is a Dublin-based singer/songwriter and this mini-album (six songs plus a couple of alternative mixes) explores the theme of 1 John 4:19. There's a mixture of musical influences that break out of the music recorded here, mainly Celtic folk combining with rock. This works very well on the rock'n'reel delight "Free To Believe" with its memorable chorus and loud guitar. "Look Now To The King" is more mellow with a beautiful melody and some lovely flute and female vocals adding to the texture. The central song here sees a return to strident rock guitar expressing the emptiness and anger of "Andy's Song". Thematically it's the warning cry of an AIDS sufferer on his hospital bed. It's a very powerful, painful song and aptly proceeds from sales of this CD are going to a number of Christian charities working in different ways to address social challenges surrounding AIDS. Supported by the Marketplace Musicianaries who include members of Irish band Emmaus, Ciaran has crafted a strong debut CD well worth investigating.

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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