Reviewed by Peter Dilley

Not the first album I've reviewed from a multi-instrumentalist with his own studio/recording set-up, and probably not the last. Predominantly a singer/guitarist, Stephen Sebastian sent Cross Rhythms his solo opus all the way from Marietta, Georgia, USA, which shows a certain determination to get his songs heard. Describing 'Play' as a "stripped-down, organic-sounding project," he shuns polished production to the extent that it seems pretty rough and ready in places - it's definitely comes across more like a demo-type CD than what I'd expect from a finished product. Once I became accustomed to that as a given, I became more sympathetic on the second listening, as a result of which I'm not without a modicum of respect for the guy. Whilst Stephen's guitar soloing owes much to George Harrison, the songwriting is strongly REM-influenced, both in style and attitude, and there are a few simple blues numbers too. Overall it's not a bad mixture for a basic rock sound. And basic is definitely what you get.

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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