Reviewed by Cole Moreton

'Revival' is an absolute gem. I never thought I'd thought I'd hear anything as good as this from a mainstream American Christian rocker.  Commercial, unpredictable, superbly arranged, very 'real', and totally without compromise.  Warner Brothers have released it with Myrrh, aiming at a crossover between the giant Christian market in the States and the national charts proper.  Mullen and his band One Blood may play support for acts like Tom Petty and Richard Marx.  Mark Gersmehl and Chris McHugh (both from White Heart) are friends of Mullen's, and recorded his demos before being asked to produce this debut. They came up with a rich and rootsy blend of blues and folk rock, roping in everything from mandolin, dobro and slide guitars to Fairlight strings.  Sassy, gutsy backing vocals almost steal the show. John Cougar Mellencamp is the closest I can come to a comparison - and despite being a firm Mellencamp fan, I honestly think that 'Revival' is better than anything he's ever done. Mullen's vocals feature everything from growls and yells to delicate falsetto.  One Blood are immaculate - especially wild drummer Scott MacLeod.  And despite slogan titles like "Live So God Can Use You", Somebody Say Amen" and "Fallen World', somehow Mullen manages to be passionate and direct about Christ without being obvious. The strident title track "Revival" is the opener and most immediate song.  "Hang My Head And Cry" finishes the album on a downbeat, sad but hopeful note.  David Mullen has got class.  Don't let 'Revival' pass you by.

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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