Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Minnesotan quintet Clear certainly grabbed a lot of attention with their jangly pop debut a couple of years ago and now their second sees them maturing lyrically and musically. The focal point of the band is still the sweet voice of their lead singer Alison Ogren but this time out, the whole band has taken leaps forward and so the musical direction of Clear has broadened making 'Follow The Narrow' a much more satisfying listening experience. Best example of this new confidence is the delivery of the delightful "Flash" with its musical swoops and dives - an outstanding song which reinforces the ministry focus of the band. "Stand And Die" takes us on a journey from the martyrdom of St Stephen through to Cassie Bernahl, 2000 years of lives surrendered and sacrificed for faith in Christ. Inspiring stuff. The grief and pain of a fallen world in "The End Of The Day" looks forward to the day when God himself wipes all the tears from our eyes. A lot of the album is acoustic-driven in a manner similar to the excellent recent 5 O'clock People release although Clear are more upbeat. Overall, there's loads here to get into musically and spiritually.

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