Reviewed by Neil Brennan

A definite contender for any Inlay Of The Week award, Strange 1 strikes a favourable chord from the moment you open the jiffy bag. Duly impressed by the slick presentation, the good vibes continue into the opening track and beyond. The brace of songs on side one, "Instant Calmer" and "Raspberry Pastures", wouldn't have been out of place on a Talk Talk album. Strangely Normal step up the tempo on the flip side with my own favourite "You're Shaking" and wind up with their self-titled signature tune. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable foot tapper of a tape from a band now taking a 12 month sabbatical. Keep an ear out for their return and pray that they come back spiritually refreshed and with batteries fully recharged. UK CCM needs all the PA/lighting rig owning, competitively priced live bands it can muster.

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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