Reviewed by Helen Whitall

2014's 'Only Light' by the Oregon-based singer/songwriter Evan Way finally gets under the Cross Rhythms microscope. The first track, "Deeper Well", sets the tone; beginning rather cheesily with very staid lyrics and clear and sincere vocals, but moving into an impressively Beatles-esque sound with jangling guitars and drums, it is typical of the slightly retro feel of the record. Similarly, "Lord, Come Into My Life" gives us obvious rhymes over plonky piano, but builds into something altogether more interesting. "Make Us New" lifts the album out of the ordinary; the most contemporary song in style, this is an atmospheric piece as dreamy as a sunrise. "Coming Back" also has a synthy, chill-out vibe to it as it contemplates the resolution of all things at the end of time when Jesus returns. The laid-back accompaniment and backing vocals are sublime and build beautifully into a slow jam that really fits the heavenly theme. And "What A Day It Is" stands out for its midnight-quiet, eerie depths. Lyrically, the songs are very worshipful and shine with a love for the Lord, but there's nothing new here. Until we reach track eight that is. "Tell It Like It Is" features peace blessings so unusual they stop you in your tracks and force you to think ("Peace be in... your Sunday picnics...your dustbin that blew away... "). Overall, I loved the creative fusion of a very '60s/'70s sound with bang-up-to date chilled synth and high production standards and the jamming is great. But the fact remains, the lyrics are often cheesy, clichéd and predictable, despite Evan clearly being capable of more original writing.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.