Reviewed by Robin Budgell

Their sound ranges from the mellow, with hints of Dire Straits/Crowded House, through the obvious Beatles influences, to the wild and heavy side that would give Kings X a run for their money. But now eight years of PFR has come to an end... far too soon for a band of this quality. The explanation is not obvious but as the inlay acknowledges, 'To have this all end must seem foolish to many. Fools, of course, is what we are. To follow Christ always looks like folly." The music still remains for us to savour - 17 cracking songs. PFR leave us with at least two genuine classics -"Goldy's Last Day" being their finest moment and a reason to buy this album if you don't have this song in your collection. "Wonder Why" is a perfect rock song that almost saw PFR, via the might of EMI, breaking into the mainstream. Alas, they remained another hidden gem in the CCM pond. There are three new songs here to tempt the most avid fans - all are typically PFR - highly melodic with lashings of harmony. "Fare Thee Well" captures the spirit of this album, although sounding scarily Phil Keaggyish, with one of those sing along choruses. A hidden track rewards the patient listener, 'The Keeper" is a spoof country track - quirky to the end! From the ashes rises at least one phoenix - look out for Eager, Patrick Andrew's new band with an album due out in July on Questar/Mission Records.

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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