Reviewed by Trevor Kirk

As recounted elsewhere in this issue, Souled Out are a four person progressive rock-cum-worship leading band from Co Londonderry, and following on from their first cassette release in 1997, they’ve taken the bold and expensive step of producing their own CD, and very good it is. Their material is very worship based, as you’d expect, a lot of it being addressed heavenwards; John McSwiggan is an accomplished songwriter, with loads of wry humour in his lyrics; and he receives strong backup from Lisa Gregg on keyboards. Tim Stewart on bass and his kid brother Ryan on drums, with Barry Bynum appearing here and there on bass guitar and backing vocals. Highlight for me is “All Hail The Lamb”, which appeared on the last CR Experience tape, and the other 11 tracks aren’t far behind; “Get Ready” is a groovy bluesfest on the subject of the second coming; “Half Truths” articulates the cry of a person who wants freedom, but isn’t prepared to consider finding it in Jesus, and “Lobotomised” refutes those who think Christians have been brainwashed (“My mind’s been renewed and not removed/My thoughts are still my own but very much improved…”). It’ll be interesting to see and hear how things go on from here, as John should have taken over from his father as Pastor of the Magherafelt Christian Centre by the time this appears in print. Perhaps someone could keep us posted? In the meantime, this band is worthy of your support.

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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