Reviewed by Brendan O'Regan

As I was listening to this album from the Candle Factory Church in London various adjectives came to mind - indie, quirky, different, unpredictable - all good in my book. I was won over by the first track, "Corner Café", which cleverly moves from someone relaxing over a cup of coffee to praise of God. "I Met A Man" is a funky introduction to Jesus that creeps up on the listener with minimal percussion, bass and organ allowing the words to breathe. I liked the reflective "Free In You" with its encouraging message - "I have heard you don't compare me to anybody else/Someone told me that you smile when you see me/Is it true? God, is it true". Encouragement is matched with a gently challenging approach on "Heaven Is Waiting For You" - "You're fine and just doing alright - mm/But looking little further/Where will you be?". Harmony vocals work well when used, especially on "Dance", a catchy metaphorical song dedicated to victims of human trafficking. Social concern is also evident on the last track, "Your Mercy", which is unusual and I'm not sure it works entirely. To the sound of waves washing on a shore there's a prayerful anthem - "You're mercy, God, washes over me", followed by a reading of Isaiah 58: 6-12, though the version used is somewhat different from the one printed on the well-designed and comprehensive CD sleevenotes. On some tracks the vocals could be stronger and more to the fore, but all in all this is an imaginative album.

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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