Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Back To Reality is a monthly youth event in Ealing and from it various young people from local high schools and elsewhere have gathered together under the production wing of Jess Duley and Matt Weeks to create a project which is spiritually focused whilst remaining musically varied. Although it was recorded in a bedroom studio and most of the participants are teenagers, there's undeniable musical maturity captured here. Standout tracks include "Held In Your Arms" which features an outstanding vocal from Suzie Leveson and the opening title cut which has a kickin' groove, loadsa melody, plenty of guitar and some fine rapping! Quite a combination! "Did You Love Me Still?" is a tender worshipful song with Tom Callister's vocals underpinned by plenty of atmospheric strings adding to the mix. One of the most intriguing factors in listening to this album is the way you're constantly being surprised by the musical twists and turns, so perhaps I shouldn't have been surprised by the sudden acid jazzy feel of "Jesus People", but I was! Nice horns and groove, all topped by Gillian Lea's fine vocal performance. Overall, an eclectic collection with plenty to say!

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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