Reviewed by Andy Shaw

Following a number of EP releases in recent years, 'Look Up' sees the first full length album of original material from London based electro-gospel duo. Dave Hendra and Dave Pilcher ease in with the first two tracks very downbeat with the hushed falsetto vocals of "I Look Up" and mellow echo sounds of "Lead Me Away". These tracks set the laid back and reflective tone that is carried through the record though it all feels a bit lacking with no real beat to provide momentum. "Open Up" picks up the tone with a brighter sound through the synth and vocals and a strong beat and bass line that helps the song flow and gets you hooked in. As well as the obvious influences of electronica, house and ambient dance there is a definite funk and gospel vibe scattered across the album and even a hint of folk in the finger-picking guitar of "Love Don't Stop". In a world that is always going a million miles an hour, this record encourages you to pause and rest and just listen. Musically this is achieved through mellow pads and atmospheric synth sounds. The lyrics are powerful and reflect the reverence of the music focusing on a personal encounter with God as "Here I Am" proclaims "I'm on my knees/Just you and me Lord." The album closes with a track that sums up the mission statement of the album: "I am laying, I am laying down it all/So you reign, so you reign over all."

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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