Reviewed by Tony Cummings

For my money, the best debut atom of the year! A singer/ songwriter who possesses a voice which sounds like his vocal chords have been pickled in brine, a sense of the dynamic which makes him whoop and holler one second and slur and drawl in Lou Reed style surrealism the next. The opener is a full tit rocker with a Stones-style chorus while the lyrics are starkly confessional though eschewing the obvious (I particularly like "I crawled into your arms with a guilty smile"). By track two the acoustic folk rock sound which is Rick's true forte establishes itself. The Confessions are a sensational band, blending mandolins and bluesy harmonies with power chords and charged drumming. And if this isn't enough the lyrics bite deep. "I walked the road for many miles a burden on my back/ Past every trench man and every curve, rode every twisted track". Songs from the heart that exude new found joy poured into a world weary life. Don't let this album pass you by.

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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