Reviewed by Tony Cummings

"Now let me see," said Greybeard Cummings, turning to his creaking memory banks. "Doesn't Giants Will Fall contain a CR regular contributor? Yes, there he is, Geoff Howlett, lead vocals and guitar." Oh dear, I hate reviewing contributors' albums - too full of praise and I'm forever questioning my motives, too critical and I risk losing my, much needed, contributor. Therefore it was with some relief that I listened to 'No Deal'. It has much to recommend it with good hooks, meaty and raw guitar sounds and Geoff is an engaging singer. The flaw is in the production with bass and drums sounding hesitant and under-rehearsed on "I Will Not Fall" and "Sorry I'm Leaving". They sound much more confident on the full tilt rocker opener "The Big One" and "Safe And Dangerous" which starts with a spoken intro. Like many a tiny budget tape, a producer is needed.

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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