Reviewed by Tony Cummings

As our feature documents this issue, Derby's favourite sons have jumped through their fair share of stylistic hoops down the years. But now with their own label they're no longer prepared to play footsy with Amer­ica's CCM industry in the restless search for the Amer­ican radio hit. Instead the lads have made the album they've been wanting to make for years. It's a good time to make it. For their love of acoustic music, remember they started off way-back when aping acoustic gospel harmonisers Malcolm And Alwyn, and can now return to that gently loping sound at a time when the Back To Acoustic movement is gathering momentum on Britain's Christian music scene. Not That the band have moved into 'folk roots' (though the mandolin on the rhythmic opener "Redemption Song" had me second-taking). It's just that there's a new emphasis on their strengths, billowing acoustics and bitter-sweet harmonies. The songs? Well, I loved the ballad "When Geneyeve Calls" while the appeal of "Teach Me How To Live Again" is brought out by some lovely sax work. There's one bit of jokeyness, the false honkey-tonk piano intro on the title track. Judg­ing from its initial sales surge P&J's loyal following have already decided that the back-to-basics Phil And John is what they've been waiting for

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.

This track data is supplied by the Cross Rhythms CD/DVD review library. Please note that CD tracks may vary according to release region or product version.