Reviewed by Simon Calvert

Reviewing this album is really a question of reviewing potential. In terms of present realities I'm afraid it is less than great. The band's biog material describes their style as "a fusion of protest music, gospel and rock." You can discern the feel they're aiming for. But before their albums become much more than "essential buying for friends of the band" they need to do a lot of work on their playing. There is a lot that is clumsy and the timing falters badly. However, sincerity and depth show through in the lyrics. Songwriter Alan Dick (age 40 - never wrote a song 'til he was 35!) certainly has an art worth developing. Peter Dick's guitar is pretty moody too and the album does contain a number of arresting moments, e.g., patches of the track "Peace On Earth" -soaring guitar solos accompanying an appeal to embrace the message of peace and understanding contained in the Gospel.

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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