Reviewed by Tony Cummings

This Texas-based singer/songwriter has said his musical influences are David Bowie, Led Zeppelin and Caedmon's Call. The latter are the most obvious to me with four of the five tracks on this EP having a folk-pop feel - not altogether surprising considering that 'Bright Portal' was produced by CCM pioneer and renowned medievalist Kemper Crabb. Of Bowie and Zep influences I can detect none save for a passage which vaguely resembles the rock warhorses' "Stairway To Heaven". Chris writes warmly melodic songs and though his voice isn't the best you've ever heard Crabb keeps the arrangements richly textured and never less than interesting. "Fill The Temple" is a Scriptural declaration of what God will do when he demonstrates the power of his name while the opener "Sing With All The Saints", with some delicious mandolin interjections, speaks of the joy of the Lord's return. All in all, pretty impressive.

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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