Reviewed by Simon Eden

Busted and McFly are dead - long live Canada's Hawk Nelson! This debut album release fits well into the mainstream popularity of boy band punk rock and is likely to hit the big time with its good, clean, fun vibes. These four guys from Ontario, are a new signing for Tooth & Nail Records. They should be right at home as they grew up in the same youth group as Thousand Foot Krutch/FM Static frontman Trevor McNevan who helped write and co-produced on this project. The first track on the album has throwbacks to the Beach Boys, as although there isn't the vocal harmonies, there is the preoccupation with moving to California to go surfing. The attitude to pulling girls is very refreshing, as they are actually looking for Christian girlfriends, instead of the more mainstream sexist attitudes. However this isn't a blatant Christian album, as these guys appear to be maintaining their lyrical integrity in the mainstream market that expects less. The album is a feel good, fun loving, collection of bouncy Californian beach ball tracks.

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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