Reviewed by Paul Loader

The main driving force behind XLL10 is a songwriter called Laurence Levy who is endeavouring to promote a universal spiritual message of freedom and peace and to reflect the glory of God through what he describes as a prophetic visionary message. Recorded over a long period of time in his own studio in the East End of London, Laurence has created something that will grab the ear of anybody that was influenced through their informative years by the music of the '80s and those who hold that era in very fond regard. Featuring five musicians and two female backing singers XLL10 sound as if they have been constructed from members of such '80s classic line ups as Talk Talk, Deacon Blue and The Korgis. The album is a real grower full of well-written catchy songs that have been finely constructed. Songs such as "Could You Ever Believe" have that wonderfully familiar edge to it whilst "Time To Get It Right" had me reaching for my old pegged trousers and baggy shirt. I am not being flippant when I make such remarks as 'Another Dimension' really does have me yearning again for a more optimistic time when music reflected the confidence of the age. Apart from some dodgy guitar work on opening track "When You Going To Find Out" the musical competence is generally very high as are the vocals, although the fact that it had been recorded over a longer period of time is highlighted in that some of the songs are more highly produced than others. Listen to this album two or three times and you will be hooked.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.