Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Best described as "quirky", this Portland four-piece comprise Todd and Tim Fadel on vocals and bass; Jason Scandlyn on lead guitar and drummer Ben Sims. Together they lay down a breezy, free-flowing, modern rock sound over which Todd's banshee vocals let loose with wonderful abandon! This wonderfully titled album has a mixture of acoustic and rock styles with lyrics which encapsulate a certain reality when it comes to issues of faith, combined with a splash of humour. Musically loose, occasionally chaotic, lyrically diverse- combining metaphor and straight down the line statements of faith, some of this is straight in your face. "Next New Fix" has Todd wailing as the voice of Christ- "I've already/I've already risen from the dead" is a weird moment which just about works. The final segment of the album is acoustic flavoured with Todd engaging in some very passionate singing which verges on being a spontaneous worship experience and sometimes goes over the edge into an 'unlistenable' wail! Make a joyful noise indeed! A curious mix and a curious debut from a curious band. Doesn't always hit the target and after half a dozen listens it still leaves me musically and spiritually untouched.

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.