Reviewed by Ian Whitwood

Surrey-based John (rhythm, lead guitar and vocals) is assisted by Duncan Parsons (bass guitar and keyboards) on this seven-track mini-album made in Sheffield. The vocals and musicianship are limited, however, which is a shame as the songs touch upon key themes such as the Christian's hope of future glory "Across The Sea, Across The River, Across The Veil" to be found in "Jesus Messiah". The interminable monotony of the guitar playing, as it repeats the same chord pattern in the first three tracks, is broken briefly in "The Seasons Of Life" as John sings of "those seasons, those changing seasons" and asks the question, "but was it for the Lord?/Is it too late to live for the Lord?" and then challenges us to "make Jesus the Lord of your life." The final three tracks touch directly on the theme of the album, with "Come To The Feast Of Tabernacles" inviting us to join with "all our friends from every nation and tribe" and celebrate the return of Jesus to earth to rule the world for 1,000 years. Listening to the album a second time to note down some of the lyrics (not printed on the sleeve) was a challenge only obviated by the sincere intentions of their composer. For the future John would do well to find an accomplished singer and backing musicians to do justice to his songs.

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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