Reviewed by Andrew Coe

This debut album from Birmingham-based Benjamin Blower was originally released in 2004 under the name Beloved (he changed his moniker when he discovered there was an American Christian hard music Beloved). Blower's style is a unique mix of samples and electronic effects, mixed with rap and some biting guitars. The album sees Blower venting his anger at the breakdown of society and a world which has turned its back on God. Each song blends a cacophony of sounds, from electronic static and smashing glass to more orchestral pieces, which is used as a background to Blower's rap/chanting style of vocalisation. "Glass Megapolis Parts 1-3" sees Blower concerned with capitalism and the towering skyscrapers that symbolise humanity's greed. One of the strangest use of samples is on "The Fashion Photographer" which fuses electronic effects and drum loops with Jack Nicholson's speech as The Joker from Tim Burton's 1989 Batman film. Throughout the album Blower portrays a bleak outlook on society which is brought to the forefront on "Yoikes!!", which starts slowly with acoustic guitar, and then builds to a heavier industrial sound, with Blower yelling about the "Floating Foetuses'", the breakdown of marriage, and the rise of celebrity culture. All in all, 'It's Raining Glass And Tears' is a powerfully unique album and considering the shoestring budgets of Zang Productions recordings, a tribute to all those who made it.

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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