Reviewed by James Attlee

Another self-penned, performed and produced album from the multi-talented Mr Patillo. Apart from a saxophone and some backing vocals, everything is played, sung or programmed by the man himself. That kind of brief immediately places restrictions on the album's scope; as one would expect, it is keyboard-based, with sequenced bass-lines and drum computers to the fore, the resulting mix providing the backdrop for the Patillo vocal chords. The album includes up-tempo dance-workout, like the title track and "Rock House", where the lyrics are kept simple and the beat allowed to dominate; ballads like "Bye Bye For Now", for friends left behind when circumstance dictates a separation; and in "Take Time And Rest" the singer hands out some sound advice to a workaholic friend who's neglecting his family to chase success. Patillo has a reputation for being able to write a love song from a Christian perspective - remember "Flesh Of My Flesh"? - and on this album we have "I Will Hold On For You". The song, written from the point of view of a Christian lover to his loved one, examines honestly the difficulties involved in waiting for God's timing in a relationship, rather than rushing ahead and missing God's best. Without wishing to criticise the man's chosen method of working, I did feel the album lacked a certain spark and spontaneity that could have come from interaction with other musicians. Or maybe he just needs somebody else to produce him.

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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