Reviewed by Tony Cummings

If you suffer from acute anorak-sia (and I presume Messrs Cummings, Kirk and Rimmer aren't entirely alone in forever pouring over old CCM magazines to discover titbits of Christian music info) you will remember that when Cross Rhythms ran its survey on Christian music in Germany in its Song For All Nations occasional series. Style were mentioned as one of the best things in German CCM. They're still with us and still producing, as this quality AOR album demonstrates, the kind of polished pop rock beyond the reach of most European church hall hopefuls. Excellent hooky songs, punchy power chords, anthemic songs that speak of faith without putting Scripture into every line and a production budget which clearly showed these guys were hoping for major chart success in Germany. My favourite cut is the gritty "I'm Crazy Over You" though the six minute ballad "Just For You" is classy too. If you're an AOR nut unimpressed by the brash sounds of alternative, these timeless practitioners of American sounding AOR will keep you rocking.

Also reviewed in issue 55:
Style originally started in out in Germany as an '80s tribute band churning out the hits of Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran in an era that pre-dated the Jail of the Berlin Wall. Happily, when they started writing songs more in keeping with their Christian faith, they wisely resisted the temptation to forsake a musical genre at which they clearly excelled. After releasing a fine batch of CCM albums for local consumption, the band recently recorded an album with impeccable English lyrics to promote whilst touring outside their homeland. 'Solid Gold1 is unashamedly evangelistic in character and reflects their current concert reper­toire. Stand out track for me has to be "My Boss " which proclaims the Lord who "Always hires, never fires". Style is clearly not a band intent on mindless­ly bashing out Bible texts. Lyrically they replicate the style of Norman Barratt and After The Fire with catchy hooks that speak of a better way. Great guitar licks and slick synthesizing prove that the band have lost none of their affection for the '80s but the message is very much for the here and now.
7
Chris Tozer

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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