Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

For their third and most recent album, HRC are predictably unpredictable as they add Russian folk influences to their already broad repertoire of styles. This is well crafted and full of originality and a huge leap forward from their earlier albums. In fact, there are no bands in the world (Christian or otherwise) that sound like this. The album wouldn't sound out of place on John Peel's or Andy Kershaw's programmes. Featuring some plaintive Russian sounding violin and the occasional cossacky rhythm, this is wonderfully diverse. Songs like "St Petersburgh (Red And Blue)". "The Lovesick Blues Of A Young Soviet Proletariat" and "Russian Lullaby" all create an East European mood. Sometimes baroque, sometimes jazzy, HRC continue to astound in their eclectic tastes! The acoustic "Winter" featuring Lori Hoopes' vulnerable vocal is a delicate flower of a song poking up through the snowy surrounds of other tunes here. If you want to find an album which is original, musically challenging, a million miles away from the Nashville CCM scene or you enjoy World Music then take a chance here, you won't be disappointed. Havalina Rail Co are breaking the musical mould and this is their best one!

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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