Reviewed by Paul Loader

Soul Junk is primarily the brain child of former Californian rockers Trumans Water's Glen Galloway, in that he formed the band in 1993, steers the vision that is Soul Junk and is its only permanent member. '1960' is the 12th album from the band having named all their other albums from 1950, 1951, 1952, etc through the decade until 1960 (their EPs for which there are many, begin at 1949 and work backwards down to 1935). The band's earlier work began with Glen Galloway singing words of Scripture with musical accompaniment and moved from indie rock through to hip-hop and a more turntable-based sound. However in that Soul Junk have vowed to keep changing and developing and not be pigeon-holed they appear to have returned more to their indie rock roots with '1960'. This is an album that demands more than a casual listening and the more often you hear it the more it begins to grow on you. The track "(Heth) Saturn Ring Hula" weds a real rock edge with a definite worship approach citing that the Lord is our portion and that he WILL keep his promises. "(Yod) Sawp Jaws" is one of the easier tracks to get your ears around as it has a more defined melody and without insulting the band sounds more "mainstream". However, just when you think you have a handle on Soul Junk and '1960' they go and add a track like "(Kaph) Ahsuerus" with Glenn singing along to what sounds like a child's xylophone and somebody whistling in the background!

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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