Reviewed by Stella Redburn

I like this Christian rock album on many levels. Firstly, it's good old-fashioned rock, complete with wailing lead guitars and plenty of punchy rhythm. It features New Jersey-based Eric Leefe who is an absolute inspiration of bravery as he makes music despite his worsening cerebral palsy. 'Looking Over Emmanuel's Shoulder' showcases excellent accompanying musicians who rock their way through all nine of Leefe's songs. The lyrics are Eric's deeply personal testimony. He delivers them with a dead-pan, only just in tune voice which works well enough with the style. "Remember My Tears" is really a prayer that's a catchy little vocal riff over a solid traditional chord sequence and "Wheelchair Blues" which has some brutally honest lyrics while taking a trip into bluesland and featuring some tasty lead guitar, piano and obligatory harmonica. "Heavenly Father" is another fairly simple song skilfully arranged and produced by Robert Melosh, with the guitar crying and sobbing over the top of those stolid vocals.

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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