Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

I first heard of obscure singer/songwriter Fred Haring on a car journey across America when a friend told me I should look out for his music. Imagine my surprise when three days later I chanced upon the man himself and he gave me a copy of his excellent second album. 'This Grand Parade' is classic American roots rock mixing the pop rock of its title track with the fiddles and folk of The incredibly clever personification song, "Apathy" whilst elsewhere there's layers of vibe on rockers like "There's A Song In My Head" and "Last Man Standing". A way with words and a creative approach to making original music in a familiar format, Haring moves from being touching on the string filled "Changing Stations" and the gentle moodiness of "Prayer For Evan Dando" to the full intensity of my favourite track, the driving "Work In Progress". In a world of sanitised, safe Christian music, Haring is surely one independent artist who deserves to be snapped up and given wider exposure.

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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