Reviewed by Steve Hayes

The white boy from Columbus, Ohio has been steadily improving his recorded output down the years. Several critics have already named this as John's best. We start with "Out Of Control", a catchy and lively rapcore crossover track. "Nuisance" sees John Reuben delivering the verses, with Matthew Thiessen of Relient K with a light and airy guitar-based chorus. By now the listener is fully engaged and the good cuts keep coming. On "Chapter 1" our man narrates insights into life over instrumental vibes, until a rolling beat kicks in while "Follow Your Leader" is a politicised track that urges people to know the truth before they follow blindly, warning of predators all around. In "Co-operate" John Reuben challenges people to grow up, be responsible, lose the costume and co-operate with the system while the title track closes the album with an introspective look at himself when he "used to be you before you became me" with a near U2 feel to the hook. A deep, thought-provoking album.

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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