Reviewed by Rick Gregory

Anam Caras, meaning soul friends, was bformed in April 2004 and this is the second album in an intended series of three prompted and inspired by Ray Simpson's Celtic prayer book Prayer Rhythms. This three piece band create a rich folk/Celtic sound which really needs to be given a chance to be appreciated fully. The quality of the musical arrangements and of the lyrical content found in each track are sometimes simple but always of a high standard. Jackie Mills' vocals are a delight as she opens the album with "Come Like Fire" and she compliments beautifully the voices of Terry Mills and Terry Braithwaite. Going on through "Acceptable Offerings" and "Hung On High" the album leads the listener gently to a place of contemplation and meditation. "What Love Is This" sounds like a mix of Art & Garfunkel and Don Francisco but has great lyrical content. In "Deep Peace Flows In" the band pick up the pace slightly with a Godfrey Birtillesque fast flowing number, and again with the challenging "Where Would I Have Stood". This album is also sprinkled with simple prayer songs like the aforementioned "Come Like Fire", "Disciples Prayer", "Change Our Hearts" and "Arise From Our Slumbers". The closing track "Deep Peace (Blessing)" leaves the listener in that very place. At first glance "Peace And The Spirit" could be passed off as just another folky/Celtic offering but upon closer inspection I believe this album could prove to be a weapon in the arsenal of anyone seeking a deeper experience of the Creator through the gift of music.

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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