Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

In the late '90s, Eric Champion was a regular noise on the Cross Rhythms playlist with his albums 'Transformation' and 'Natural' particular faves with this reviewer. He even made a Cross Rhythms festival appearance back then. However, after being dropped by the record label he disappeared from the radar so this EP is aptly titled and very welcome. These days he appears to be a working man, husband and father of three, living in Florida. He's also not lost any of his talent for making emotive pop rock. Although there aren't any of the full tilt tracks that I used to love, "It Came To Me" bowls along very nicely indeed. "Unexpected" could almost be an out take from his last label album with its haunting atmospherics and superb groove. "Take Messages" brings out the more soulful side of Eric's music with an understated feel and a great vocal arrangement. The EP's closer "Serious" is a fabulous slab of powerful pop complete with great production and an excellent vocal from Champion. For me, it's been too long and I'm glad he's back as a solo performer as well as with a new group called Rook. Now all we need is a full length album!

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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