STYLE: Rock RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 24177-CAS1039 LABEL: Frontline 9084 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1 RRP: £4.99
Reviewed by Ian Bosworth
I have very mixed feelings about this album. Stephen Crumbacher's collaboration with Christopher Duke has not really produced any startling innovations. The musical style overall of the dozen tracks is slightly less 'rock' than Crumbacher's previous albums 'Escape. . .' and 'Thunder Beach'. A lot of fiddly playing fails to impress, though there are several good melodies. Occasionally the keyboard sound and style intrudes/detracts. Perhaps a different instrument would do the job better. Lyrically the album falls between the simplicity of expression found in some Amy Grant material, and the cutting-edge of Steve Taylor (remember him?). There are Bible references supplied for those wishing to get the spiritual background to each song. For example "Tears Of Joy" (a lovely track) cites Gal.5.7-8 as a warning and an exhortation. Maybe all bands should give the Scriptural basis for their words! Back to 'Worlds Away'. Having listened to the CD several times I'm not sure it benefits from having so many tracks. Perhaps dropping a few (they do tend towards sameness) and upping the power would have helped. I shall certainly listen to it from time to time, but for me it's not exactly memorable.
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