Reviewed by Keith James

This album was undoubtedly recorded with much care and produced with an equal portion of polish. The meshing of the bell-like guitars with Rob Goraieb's vocals - the highlight of this album - is unquestionably the result of many hours of painstaking studio work. Some of the better tracks herein stand up to repeated listening; "Tangerine" and "London Town" tool along like steam trains, while the irresistible "Little Tree" best encapsulates the obvious retro '60's influences that pervade this album. However, it's only when one studies the lyrics themselves that a feeling of disappointment arises. I'm from the old school. I'm afraid. If a band purport to be Christians, then I would like to hear some evidence in their lyrics. By its very nature, Christian music should always be about, or at least allude to, God. Lyrical ambiguity has its place, even on a Christian album, but on "Now" God is mentioned barely half a dozen times, Jesus but three. I can't envisage a dyed-in-the-wool believer encountering closer fellowship with their Saviour, or an atheist suddenly thirsting for salvation, after being confronted with lyrics akin to '"Occidental paranoid and Sigmund Freud and oxymoron waiting for the stax." Musically, this is high, wide and handsome. I just can't help feeling that on this evidence and for this time. Kosmos Express are strutting their stuff in the wrong market place.

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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