STYLE: Rock RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 10425-CAS2058 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: Cassette Album
Reviewed by Dancin' Dave Derbyshire
On 'Upon The Mountain', Barry Kingston continues with some high energy songs with a strong beat but also makes room for a wider variety of styles that still do justice to his powerful vocals. With each song I was in no doubt that I was in for some solid rock from the first opening beat to the final tweak of the guitar strings. There is still that unmistakable sound with a background of drums and snarling guitars joining in to keep the energy levels rising as Barry howls out the lyrics. But there is also the softer rock of "Take A Look Around" and a slightly more acoustic rootsy feel of one man and his guitar reflecting on life in songs like "Gathered In The Name Of The Lord", "The Message" and "The Kingdom Within". Yet he still manages to cry out the lyrics with his powerfully emotional voice. Musically I found "Maria" one of the best songs on the album, the percussion used as a beautiful backdrop to the rest of the instruments which slowly build up as Barry's melodic voice pours out the lyrics. This is a song written as a homage to this very special woman whose story is, in my opinion, too often neglected by Protestants. I would recommend this album for its meaningful lyrics as well as for its skillful combination of raw energy tracks.
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.
Interested in reviewing music? Find out
more here.