Reviewed by Stephen Luff

Union State's first release encouraged Cross Rhythms to features the Scottish seven piece on its website. A year after the launch of 'The Way You Love', we are here presented with a full album, although the tracks "The Way You Love", "This Is Why" and "Till The Morning" reappear on this album. As before, vocals are delivered by Alis Patterson, whose delivery reminds me of both Maria McKee and the fragile style of Sarah Mason. Musically, the band continue to display their U2 influences on such tracks as "The King Has Come" with its energising drum rhythm, "When All Is Said And Done" and the guitar-led "Till The Morning". For me however, the gentler tracks are the most impacting, the traditional hymn "I Cannot Tell" is simply jaw dropping in its emotion and is the best version I have come across. The acoustic guitar-driven "Hope And Song" which feels like you are listening to a intimate conversation between someone and God where the Lord is their "hope and song". Raw emotion combined with great music!

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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