Reviewed by Steven Bridge

My daughter jumped into my car from school the other day whilst this CD was pumping out its pomp rock, and she said, "Sounds progressive". Jo is 17. Either I've done a great parenting job in life by steering her away from gangsta rap and trance dance (she likes the Red Hot Chili Peppers) or she is cleverer than I think, which is probably more the case. Anyway, she thought it was good, and so do I! Yeah, Iowa-based Pursuit are well worth pursuing. And this album has been a long time in the pursuing as it was released 10 years after (Ten Years After - now there's a blast from the past!) their first self-titled release in 1995. Rather like another superb CPR group Ajalon, whose first release was followed up by a second nearly a decade later, these prog rock boys certainly take their time! But the painstaking attention to quality values of production really tell. Lead vocalist Andrew Zuehlke belts out a mean tenor tune, Dan Wolfe is a howling success on guitar and John Sebring brings high levels of technical excellence on drums. There's not a duff track on the album. The Christian lyrics are upfront in a way that divides opinion in the secular web reviews. Nothing new there, but all the website reviews were in accord that the music was top drawer in the world of prog rock. The title track was simple in its approach and stood out, but the piece de la resistance was the 14-minute long concept of 'The Trilogy' reminiscent of the good old days when prog rock ruled the world with Pink Floyd et al. Actually reviewers have likened Pursuit to Kansas and Dream Theater with influences of ELP and Yes to Rush and Metallica. The band admit to some of these influences but Dan Wolfe adds, "Although I enjoyed their sound, it seemed the lyrics were hollow. It became my desire to couple my music with lyrics that would glorify God. This is what God has called me to pursue." Where is the beginning of this Quest? I think they think that it's something to do with God.

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.