Reviewed by Simon Eden

In 2006 everything changed for New Zealand's Parachute band. Although the Parachute Festival goes from strength to strength, the line up of the festival house band totally changed and the musical direction moved from the soul-tinged pop of old to full-on guitar-driven rock. This album is now the second release from the new line up, Omega Levine (vocals), Sam de Jong (drums), Alister Wood (keys), Rhys Machell (bass), and Simon Moore (guitars). With a sound that fills a stadium, each track comes powering out even in the softer phrases. "In Liberty (Hallelujah)" is as gentle as a lullaby sung over thousands of God's children, whilst "Shout It Out" kicks off with a screaming, piercing guitar solo and leads into the obvious raucous chorus. "Everlasting" was recorded with an African choir in Tanzania, which breaks out from the New Zealand style into a melting pot of cultures that are 'Technicolor'. The great thing is that this worship band aren't trying to be a Kiwi version of another country's worship style. These 11 new songs from their homeland retain a certain distinctiveness. So get this album and, if you can't stretch to a flight for next year's fest, the accompanying DVD of the 2008 event is the next best thing.

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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