Reviewed by Ewan Jones

The 12 songs on this disc feature an awesome blend of space age synths, melancholic piano, punk rock guitar, imaginative harmonies, powerful lyrics and fantastic production throughout. The tunes here draw on so many different influences, from '70s prog rock ala Bowie and Floyd to Sigur Ros and Mae. There's a surprise, and most importantly a hook, to every track that means as soon you're through with one play you want to restart it. Produced by Aaron Sprinkle, the band spent early 2008 touring with Family Force 5 and have built up a solid fanbase over the last four years that will no doubt continue to expand with this release. Frontman and songwriter Jessy Ribordy says, "Through the process of creating this record we began to question how God would use this in the midst of all of it. Then we realised his grace is so much larger than we can comprehend. It's vast. And in knowing this we learned that he can use us in the middle of our weakness, that it's less about what we are doing and more about what he is doing." This is the deeper theme underlying 'Captiva' - from the hard rock of "Hotel Aquarium" to epic closing track "The Dark Side Of Inside" Ribordy's lyrics exude a vulnerable openness and a desire to trust God more. A great, intelligent rock album for 2008.

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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