Reviewed by Tom Lennie

We all know Dave Bilbrough for classic worship choruses like "Abba Father", "All Hail The Lamb" and "I Am A New Creation". But these songs are all a good 20 years old. Although he's brought out repeated worship albums since that time, few of his many later songs, unfortunately, have been particularly noteworthy. 'People Of Promise', Dave's newest venture, and independently released, consists of "grace-centred songs...that remind us of our togetherness and unity." An interesting feature is that the songs were rehearsed and arranged on the spot and recorded straight away, with all musicians present in the same room - thus, apparently, giving an organic feel to the sound. Characteristic of Dave, several tunes here carry a rather inauthentic-sounding country tinge. Others, like the banjo-led skiffle, "Cause Me To Walk" and "Come Let Us Sing" are upbeat in flavour and, it has to be admitted, somewhat annoyingly infectious. But the tunes tend to be a tad simplistic and the lyrics invariably cliched. Without question, Bilbrough is at his best on the more stripped-down numbers, where a greater sense of intimacy and vulnerability and a deeper spirituality are apparent.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.