Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

If Toby McKeehan is suffering from withdrawal symptoms now that DC Talk are less rap and more rock, he more than makes up for it with sharing the vocal duties on 'Erace'. The album continues some of the themes explored on 'Jesus Freak' with a selection of songs subtitled 'A Project To Eliminate Racism'. The powerful opener, "Yoknapatawpha - A Mental Mississippi", is a vibrant panoramic scene setter which includes a brief hilarious detour into country music! "Celia" and "Sweet Tea" feature guest rapper Teron Carter from GRITS, both with strong jazz influenced rhythms and atmosphere. Toby's pal Kevin Smith turns up on "Poetry, Prose And Other Sundry", a pastiche of radical statements about racism float across a back beat in a bout of creativity which is ear catching. "The Wages Of Sin" steals a Steely Dan riff, "New South" has a southern soul feel with a smattering of harmonica thrown in. "Brother's Keeper" sums up so much of this album, it is a modern reminder to love thy neighbour whatever the colour. Overall, this is a mindblowing smorgasbord of musical influences - jazz, rap, soul, rock, gospel which never miss the beat as they are souped up into a potent indictment of racism and those who practise it. "This album is the musical expression of frustration," says the sleeve notes and for once I'm left hoping that music really can change the world.

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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