STYLE: Rock RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 142563-20890 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Lins Honeyman
West Lothian-based singer/songwriter McIvor's latest release was recorded at his own New Dawn Studio and sees the man accompany himself on guitars, drums and bass on this mix of original songs and covers which, going by titles such as "Sight To The Blind", "The Rock Of God" and "I Have The Good News", reflect something of the man's Christian faith. Despite his no doubt valiant efforts, this is nonetheless a somewhat painful offering thanks to almost every track being presented in the same heavy, unrefined and distorted fashion whilst McIvor's vocal style is frequently nothing more than a barrage of yelling that is often out of tune, very low in the mix and difficult to decipher. On the plus side, McIvor sounds like a competent enough lead guitarist but, with lengthy wandering solos ensuring that half of the tracks on the album last between six and 10 minutes, more variety and shorter bursts are needed to make listening to his playing less of an endurance test. Covers of Johnny Cash's "The Kneeling Drunkard's Plea" and the Bob Seger song "Turn The Page" are attempted but it is the best forgotten renditions of standards such as "We Shall Not Be Moved" and "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross" which typify an album of sluggish, samey and amateurish recordings that are difficult to listen to let alone enjoy.
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