Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Described by compiler Dave Henderson as "23 tracks from a bunch of wayward souls all singing for a better day, redemption or about the sheer futility of it all", this release from the Righteous label sees a collection of mostly unknown artists set out their stalls in sampler CD fashion. Whilst the album's title suggests at least an element of spiritual hope amidst darker times, there is an over-riding feel of despair about proceedings - not least thanks to the idea of redemption being poo-poo'd in David Arnold's self-explanatory opener "God Won't Save You Now" and the likes of the kooky synth pop of Theoretical Girl's "Never Said A Prayer Before" and "Ain't No Jesus In Here" by Sweet Billy Pilgrim casting doubt on the possibility of having a real relationship with God. Elsewhere, the dirge-like "Devil Town" by Noah And The Whale and Cherry Ghost's "Trampin" add to the overall feeling of gloom maintained by just about each contributor with the exception of a tender version of the hopeful Hank Williams tune "Calling You" by Matthew Kilford and the Sufjan Stevens-produced Welcome Wagon track "But For You Who Fear My Name". Leftfield moments of varying success abound ranging from Ryan Driver's wonderfully abstract "When Were You In Mexico" through to a dreadful version of Joan Osborne's "One Of Us" by Scottish singer/songwriter Malcolm Middleton who appears to have completely lost the original melody as he mutters his way through the bare bones of an undoubted classic. A Johnny Cash-tinged take of Mother Maybelle Carter's "Troublesome Waters" by one time Pulp guitarist Richard Hawley is arguably the highlight of a frequently intriguing but ultimately doom-laden and God-doubting release.

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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