Reviewed by Ian Hayter

This is the seventh release from the Chesterfield-based school teacher and singer/songwriter who has been turning out albums since his debut 'The Father's Family' in 1982. It's obvious from the cover that this is a self-produced album and the performance certainly lacks the gloss of expensive studios and celebrity producers. Having said all that, this is a pretty good set of songs, all by Pickering himself - with the exception of a cover of Buffy Sainte-Marie's "Universal Soldier" (given a good enough treatment by Pickering) and "There Is A Green Hill" sung to the tune of "House Of the Rising Sun". There are some very bluesy numbers, a bit of a Celtic tinge to the opening "Writing On The Wall" and a song entitled "Golgotha's Hill" which is reminiscent of the late, great Johnny Cash. All in all, it's a very competent and workmanlike set which challenges Christian and non-Christian alike, and has some very hummable tunes.

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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