Reviewed by Peter Small

This, their third release, is as jolly as its cover, and, though cheaply recorded (quite cute, actually) the playing is pretty tight, though the singer who, it must be observed, isn't amazing, showing character, passion and a sense of fun. There's an impressive array of influences on show here - rock, funk, indie, jazz, etc all reproduced with admirable competence. But there's a lack of commitment to anything in particular, a weakness quite common in Christian music. Nevertheless, the combination sounds like a good night out, as long as you don't listen too closely to the lyrics. Although we're in conversion/affirmation territory here my problem is less with the motivation and more with the actual language used. What might be appropriate to the evangelistic talk can sound mighty peculiar when shoved into a song. Lyrics tell us what it feels like, rather than what to think. It's not what I want from my music, and I suspect Joe Heathen is with me on this one. Then there's "Caveman", zany, whacky (my, haven't Fat 'n' Frantic a lot to answer for), 'cos, y'know, Christians, well, they like a good time too. Allegedly. Perhaps you had to be there. Much much better is "Supposedly", a lyric reacting confusedly to a friend's death by cancer quite at odds with its madness-go-rockabilly tune but the glimpse of a naked heart makes all the difference. More like this please.

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.