Reviewed by Peter John Willoughby

Following on from their first full-length album, "Emancipation Day", Verra Cruz bring us another slab of hard rock with a blues influence. They belong to that group of bands who are post-grunge rockers and have roots in the popular hard rock and heavy metal that Nirvana was so intent on crushing. They could be said to be like Pearl Jam meets Led Zeppelin. I first saw them touring with Switchfoot last winter and again at Greenbelt in the summer of 2007 on the mainstage. At Greenbelt they performed some of the songs that now appear on this album. Ravaged-voiced singer Marc James is on form and plays some seriously bluesy guitar and lapsteel, Jimmy Cooke is on drums and the new bassist is Henry Cross. Said Marc about 'Innocence', "I think that with this album we have gone deeper, allowed the songs to be what they are. For me growing up, listening to music helped me to question life, question the status quo, helped me to open my heart, helped me to feel, caused me to look for God. It's our hope that our music can do the same." Even though Marc is a powerful worship man with vineyard UK, here Verra Cruz create a hard rock album which will connect to any fan of retro-tinged blues rock, believer or not. The first three songs are full on hard rock where the band have the dynamics of a threesome in the vein of Cream, and this especially shines through on "Freedom". The lapsteel is featured on "Put The Weapon Down" and "How Long For This World" in such a way that it evokes the timeless blues vibe of Mississippi maestros. There are also mellow, thoughtful songs. The title track is dedicated to Veronica James and includes some lush orchestration with cello and violin swelling up behind the guitar. Describing the album as "a step of faith", or "lots of little steps of faith", Verra Cruz have brought together a series of timeless songs to stir your heart and move your soul.

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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