Reviewed by Trevor Kirk

These Gotee boys really do have a Midas touch. Following the successful releases by the others on their roster (Out Of Eden, Johnny Q Public, dc Talk, Zilch, et al, not forgetting their own smasheroo "Brace"), their latest recruits, Curious Fools, come up with this, their first real album (to quote HM Magazine). The diversity of styles over the 12 trax - Jars Of Clay-type grooves, moody synth-driven ballads, acoustic rootsy melodies and straight-ahead rock - makes for a pleasurable listen, and there are several radio-friendly cuts here that should make the UCB Cross Rhythms playlist with no problem. Lead singer Steve Murray and guitarist Troy Deaton have collaborated on all the songs, and throughout the album, despite celebrating their faith, deep down they're haunted by insecurity and uncertainty ("Still Trying To Get There"); but the bottom line for them is always to rely on the one who is all they need ("I Didn't Know"), is there to fall back on when they come to the end of their tether ("I Will Fall"), and can be relied on to keep them safe ("Top Of The World"). Impeccably played and sung, with the production polish that has become Gotee's trade mark, this is a classy product that deserves to sell by the truck-load.

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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