Reviewed by Neil Phipps

21 year old Ben recorded these songs with renowned Sheffield studio man Andy Baker and plays most of the instruments himself. Having recently graduated from university, it is refreshing to find an artist whose stamp and vision are so clearly imprinted throughout all parts of the production. Ben says his influences range from Keane to The Polyphonic Spree while the simplicity of the lyrics here are intriguingly one of the album's strengths. "I'm not giving up, I'm not backing down/You can try but you'll never change my mind, no, why?/Cause my God will never leave or forsake me." Such words will win no awards for breaking theological ground, but do communicate a strong and passionate faith. The catchy feel-good songs will keep toes tapping and stay in the head long after the album has finished, and these are signs that this young singer/songwriter is one to keep an eye on in the future.

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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