Reviewed by Tony Cummings

After the stone classic status of the 'Sonicflood' album and the severely disappointing quality of the new line up Sonicflood album 'Resonate', this album from the original lead singer of the band and his new aggregation of rock praise musicianaries was always going to be a difficult call. Would it have the same edge and cathartic passion of that platinum debut without merely uninventively aping old glories? Would it carry that hard-to-define ability to connect with hearts up for worship as well as heads up for a rock'n'roll goodtime? Would it be a classic or a clanker? I can heartily report that two whole plays, plus a fleeting encounter with the big budget project at the Alliance Music sales conference, has convinced me that this is the former. Brilliantly inventive arrangements of Vineyard evergreens ("More Love, More Power") rub shoulders with powerhouse originals. Unexpected instrumentation (piano and cello on "You Are Good") gives welcome dynamics to all those howling guitars. And the choice of guests - tobyMac, Fleming And John, Rebecca St James - add to the impact of this sparkling set. My favourite is a complete rock re-assembly of the ancient George Beverly Shea opus "I'd Rather Have Jesus". Buy with confidence.

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