Reviewed by Ian Hayter

This six-song EP from threesome BlushUK comes from the Manchester scene where The Message Trust are having a real impact on the lives of young people in some of the less hospitable areas. It's good, glossy pop, with shades of hip-hop and plenty of R&B. Mesdames West, Scholey and Cook belt out the numbers with the air of seasoned performers and the lyrics stab at your conscience. The harsh realism of teenage nights out ("So") or the appalling squalor of a Haitian slum ("Not Alone") is juxtaposed against good-time pop melodies and rhythms in a way that serves to heighten the urgency of the subject matter. It will certainly appeal to the current generation of teen girls, and if they stop to listen to the lyrics they will have plenty to think about. Watchman is featured on one track ("Ready To Run"), but the girls certainly hold their own and I hope we get to hear more of them.

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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