Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Somewhat strangely, the new release from Buffalo, NY-based R&B artist Carl West begins with an intro that would sound at home in a horror movie with sinister children's laughter and ominous music accompanying West's foreboding "it started out as an innocent game of hide and seek" voiceover. However, things soon brighten up with the vocally-impressive West sounding not unlike British soul singer Seal on a collection of well-crafted songs that tell of our propensity for hiding from God and the benefits that come when we seek his face. For instance, the considered "Who I Am" charts the singer's past reliance on others instead of Jesus whilst the polished R&B of "Focus" and the advisory "Be Alright" leads the listener towards a realisation that trusting in God is the answer. Arguably the highlight of this satisfying release, the delightfully fractured title track sums up the album's overriding theme whilst showcasing producer and co-writer Marquis Boone's ability to conjure up a range of inventive and fitting musical backdrops that allow the main man's substantial vocal talents to shine.

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