Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

In 1970 when the band recorded this debut album for MGO's Key Records, they'd already been together for a couple of years and were far and away the greatest Christian band in Britain, able to hold their own against the best mainstream bands of the day. Their formation was almost like the creation of a supergroup with members of '60s beat groups The Soulseekers, The Pilgrims and Insight. The result was a band built around the incendiary guitar playing of Wray Powell who, for those in the know, drew comparisons to Jimi Hendrix with his wild and adventurous playing. There are plenty of songs here to enjoy from the opening grooves of "Thank You Lord" and "On Solid Rock" which have directly Christian lyrics which are very much bolted on to some great music. "Lemonade And Peanuts" has the band's bluesy roots coming to the fore while "Closing In On Me" and "Hustle Bustle" has a jazzy vibe and "There You See A Stranger" and "Light" bring things to a rounded rocky conclusion. A classic. Many years after its release this album was "discovered" by non-Christian psych collectors and for awhile the rock cognoscenti were prepared to bid hundreds of pounds for a copy. A limited edition re-issue came out in 1990 but even that will cost you now.

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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