Reviewed by Ewan Jones

Greenbelt favourites ska punk band Sounds Of Salvation have put their heart and soul into recording the 13 tracks on offer on this album and the good news is that it doesn't disappoint. It's rough around the edges and a little misjudged in parts, but more often than not it is an excellent, independently recorded and released CD. The lyrics are funny, clever and worshipful, the playing, particularly the pumping brass section, is incredibly tight and the final result is an extremely listenable slice of jolliness. If you've seen Sounds Of Salvation in action then this also serves as a great reminder of their high-energy shows and madcap sense of humour. As they readily admit in the (lovingly put together) inlay card, there are a LOT of members (10,000,000 or so if we are to believe their claim) and the sound is big - it's easy for a huge band to sound a muddle on recordings but the songs are recorded and mixed together by the clearly multi-talented Mike Whiteman. This band clearly knows and loves its ska roots and is genuine - this shines through on every track and trust me, once you've skanked/moshed yourself silly to "Thine Be The Glory", you'll never go back. Bex's voice works best when she is backing Mike's more confident lead, or when she really gets to belt something out, like on the fantastic "Forever". So listen up labels: forget the pretenders, the safe bets and the MOR clones - someone needs to sign these guys and throw them some dosh for their next recording - hopefully we'll hear more of SOS, sooner rather than later.

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.