Reviewed by Philip Child

Undivided Heart essentially consist of two core musicians. Andy Sisti and Maik Lankau (who both worked with a band called Rebel Lemmings) who apparently draft in the odd extra to complete the line up. A two-track promo (which has now grown into four tracks), this recording is essentially a progress report on a forthcoming album. The press release states. "The sound would be perfect for the European market," a statement I quite agree with. With lyrics firmly based in Christ, the obviously talented Sisti and Lankau deliver Def Leopard/Europe-esque soft metal with ease. However, it is here that lies the tape's main drawback: recordings of this type seem to have largely had their day. on this sceptred isle at least. Both in the Christian and secular world, we Brits lend to opt for a bit more dirt and distortion in the production of current day rock releases, as opposed to the screechy clean high pitched tremolo tickling of the "80s. As Undivided Heart's offering is much more of the latter category. I can only see it having limited appeal in the UK, being just a little passe according to present prevailing tastes (although they could probably be relied upon to provide a storming support slot to the likes of Stephen Bennett). I wonder if an alternative mix might make the product a little easier to digest for the British market? On the continent, however. I can see the full album being much more warmly received, and justly so.

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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