Reviewed by Chris Tozer

Three South African guys in their mid-20s make up the bravely named Peculiar People Band. After cutting their musical teeth in Cape Province they seized an opportunity to tour the States from coast to coast. Out west on a fishing trip they met the boss of Maranatha! Records and soon netted a contract which has thus far produced two records including this, their debut album. After spending much of 2005 touring California and other neighbouring states they seemed to have established quite a strong localised fan base. Playing competently in the style of Delirious? this three piece band certainly have in Gary Rea a lead singer with the ability to write catchy tunes with no nonsense worship and evangelistic lyrics that get youth pastors queuing up to book them to minister to their teenagers. Listen to tracks like "Today" and "Can I Leave My Head" and you'll see what I mean. Personally, I'd like to see them branching out to reach the un-churched through mainstream radio but I can't imagine that happening in a month of Sundays in the Land Of The Free. Yet back in South Africa the guys managed to get ample airplay on pop stations that resulted in two top 10 hits and a nomination for a South African music award. If I were their pastor I'd be wondering whether they should quit the financial lucrative West Coast and, in the immortal words of Paul McCartney, get back to where they once belonged, and find secular fields that are in far greater need of a combine harvester like theirs.

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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