Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Released in 1987, Mad At The World's debut was a bit of an enigma. The band fronted by Roger Rose was based on the west coast of the USA and yet their synth rock sound owed more to the musical innovations that had happened in the UK in the first part of the '80s. Indeed Rose's strangulated anglicised vocal delivery sounded thoroughly British and seemed to land somewhere between Billy Mackenzie, Tony Hadley and David Bowie. The results were pleasing and pioneering on the Christian music scene of the era. Rose who was also a drummer ensured that the songs had hard hitting rhythm tracks and interesting keyboard arrangements including some early sampling. Standouts included "No More Innocence" with its ethereal and slightly spooky intro which soon gives way to a ferocious driving groove and the futuristic "Easy Way Out". I have to confess I've always had a soft spot for "All The Lonely Sheep" which even to this day manages to make the hairs on the back of my neck go up. It's a fantastic production, epic track and is topped by Roger Rose's greatest vocal performance on the album. I've always considered this album to be a bit of an underrated gem.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.