Reviewed by James Stewart

Current holders of the British CCM folk-rock baton, Why?, have been going through quite a few changes recently. Never a band to keep their line up stationary in any sense, the most recent wave of changes leaves only guitarist/vocalist Ant Parker as a long time member, so it is an apt time for a fresh look through the history books. Most prominent among the influences are Fat And Frantic (especially lyrically) and The Wonder Stuff, and those two stay loud and clear but Why? are very much their own folk band. The material is organised chronologically and while this is perhaps not the best order for listening pleasure, it does make for a nice trip through memory lane for this listener. Of the 19 tracks, two, "Because The Drug" and "Time We" are re-recordings. The former makes quite a departure as new boy in the band Jamie Hill and stand-in bass man Mowf (Blueberry) weave a little of their magic around it. Along with a new track it's a pretty complete compilation and while there are rough moments, with Why? you know that many of them are intentional.

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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