Reviewed by Simon Amers

Critical Mass are a Canadian Catholic rock band who have created quite a stir with this, their third release having won best rock album at the Canadian Gospel Music Awards. A concept album, 'Grasping For Hope In The Darkness' tells the story of Al and his daughter, an unmarried mother, touching on pornography, the abuse scandal in the Church and neglected love. So far so cheerful, but ultimately the album is about finding redemption and hope. The opening "Carry On Wayward Sin", a cover of the old Kansas song, harks back to Ritchie Blackmore with its guitar riff, even though lead singer David Wang has bolted on a rap section. "Dorian Gray" is a warning against pornography: the evil that can lurk in a visual image. To convey the themes of their story, Critical Mass employ a variety of musical styles. "Time Slave" is a more obvious pop song, while "Jane" slows the pace with its acoustic accompaniment. Other points of interest are the lyrics of "Reverend Larebil", a critique of liberal theology, and "Scandal" with its sweeping orchestral fade out. "Running With Eyes Closed", a pro-life song, and "Make Us One" with a tap along chorus, are the real standouts on this brave and challenging album. Not all the 12 songs here hit the mark, but it's an interesting journey as we follow Al and the other characters with their struggles. You can download a comic book from the band's website (www.catholicrock.com) to follow Al on his road to redemption. The CD includes a song commentary as well, or you could do it the old-fashioned way and listen to the words!

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