Reviewed by Nigel Harris

Subtitled ‘Demo Disc 1’, I guess this is Blade’s recording debut. However, with no production or other credits, save those of the three band members, I would also guess that this is a self-recorded effort. On the plus side, the five tracks showcase the range of the band’s talents, from rockers like “All Shine” to the acoustic “Could It Be”. Four songs from Daniel Wilcocks (guitars, vocals and co-producer) plus Martin Smith’s “Over The Mountains And The Sea”. The album is let down by patchy production quality, perhaps reflecting a low budget. The electric guitar just doesn’t work at all – there’s a hint of a great live sound but it fails to make it onto the CD. The acoustic guitar tracks are excellent though, but they are probably not the band’s main style. And just how do you cover a classic worship song like “ Over The Mountains”? I would prefer to hear it done straight, with a really natural vocal delivery, which Blade unfortunately don’t manage. Overall, patchy but showing real promise.

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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