Reviewed by Tim Cockram

Casino is, shock horror, a concept album that follows Jim from being trapped in the Casino through the revelation of the truth to the call. The Casino is a metaphor for the world and Jim is you, me, anybody. So what of the music? Well, it has a 1970s feel to it in terms of its structure but it doesn't sound at all dated. This is largely due to the excellent arrangements and production (it was hard at times to remember that it's a European Christian album) by Clive Nolan (who wrote the music) and Karl Groom. Casino kicks off with "Prey" which leaves the same sort of musical finger print as say "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway" by Genesis (recorded before they caught the Perry Como groove). Geoff's vocals remind me a little of Steve Scott. The music developes through the album, with each track reflecting the lyrics. As a whole the music is contemporary but it doesn't fit a formula, it takes risks. A great album that proves that there really is quality music being produced by Christians in the UK.

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