Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Nexus is a Christian music academy established by Dave and Kate Silber who formerly fronted YFC's TVB. The vision is simply to give young musicians the opportunity to hone their skills, grow spiritually and unleash their gifting in the local church. This is a snapshot of the class of 1999 (yes, I confess I'm late reviewing this and it's all my fault!) and it's an ideal way of hearing first hand the quality of the musicians. If you were at the Cross Rhythms festival, you'll have seen Nexus musicians backing Rodd And Marco and Rick Altizer but for the most part they attend classes at their base in Coventry. This album highlights the students' musical, vocal and song-writing talents and there is plenty of good stuff. There's too many to mention but the highlights include Martin Hill's "Standing On The Side" with some excellent funky guitar and almost township jive feel. The rasping vocals of Gavin Mart appear on a couple of songs whilst the haunting Katie Dennis song "Twisting And Turning" powerfully captures the claustrophobic misery of the dysfunctional family. Thematically the songs themselves have their sights beyond the walls of the church, seeing the needs of the world and Kate Silber's "Send Me" is a prayerful response. The closing "Set My People Free" is a funky closer which leaves me thinking that the class of '99 enjoyed their jazzy funky playing. I wonder what this year's students have in store for us?

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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