Reviewed by Peter Dilley

"He's been labelled as the MC Hammer of Gospel", says the opening announcement (though in what sense I'm not quite sure!) and the anticipation and excitement in Memphis grows as the crowd is promised fireworks in a show recorded 5th July last year and branded "the 4th of July Part Two". First track "Come On Lift Him Up" lives right up to that description - tasty work from bassist Sylvester Robinson and drummer David Mason warms it up nicely for The Associates' massive choir sound and O'Landa Draper's equally huge imprint as leader/director. It's a hard number to follow and with "Make A Joyful Noise" things mellow down a touch, an ideal opportunity to savour more of their superbly-crafted vocal harmonies without getting your head blown off. That's just a brief respite though - next track "The Holy Ghost" and "Give It Up" later on would give even Kirk Franklin a run for his money in the funkiness stakes. Chances to chill out do come with "Reflections", "Yield Not To Temptation" and the finale "You Will Never Be The Same Again", but that's not why I'd choose to listen to it - I'd far rather get with the groove elsewhere.

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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