Reviewed by Paul Loader

Hello Kelly are a pop rock from Canada who in their own words have set out to get rock 'n' roll back to the music as opposed to the image and clothing. Although having recorded two initial EPs since 2004 that have sold 15,000 copies 'Hello Kelly' is their debut full length and is a well produced highly polished offering. Although the band claim that their sound is new and fresh it still very much falls into the camp of Good Charlotte, Sum 41 and My Chemical Romance from the emo fraternity, this however is no bad thing. The lyrics on the CD are not intended to preach or proselytise but to make music coloured by their faith. The album starts strong with two great tracks in "10 Good Reasons" and "Bring It Broken" and doesn't really let up to be honest. Songs like "My Girlfriend", a great rock pop song that hints that we all have relationship troubles especially if your girlfriend is drop-dead gorgeous. "Paper Bag Princess" has a school boy poetry about it that is charming as well as provocative in that we all feel that we are ugly and worthless at times, but if we place our faith and trust in God then he will protect us and keep us strong. And "Favourite Arcade" had me air drumming on my car steering wheel all the way home. 'Hello Kelly' is well written, well played and well made.

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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