Reviewed by Tim Holden

Dale Hembrow has been making music for over 10 years and runs multiple record labels and distribution companies in Australia. Despite this, 'Free' is his debut album. It is billed as "original worship" and it is certainly both of those - the passion and vibrancy of a relatively new Christian comes through in bucket loads. Dale's voice has an edge that is equally at home with quieter, introspective songs like "Golgotha" as it is with the all out rockers like "Greetings To The King". The interweaving of the quiet acoustic guitar-based songs with the multi layered guitar and keyboard tracks works really well and will provide something for every mood and occasion. The diversity of styles means that at some points comparisons to Nirvana could be made and at others Pink Floyd, but the album still manages to hang together as a cohesive whole. Dale does not follow the Australian mega church formula so there are no slick, close unison vocals here and a refreshing lack of church language. While there are no obviously congregational songs and some of the songs do show a slight immaturity in the lyrics, the whole album oozes worship and will be a great aid for those seeking a worship aid and looking outside the usual loop.

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