Reviewed by Andrew Midgley

There's a very British, self-deprecating humour to Gap D (between his buck teeth is a gap to match his moniker; his website's showpiece video is full of kitchen-sink locations and ropey dancing), and one imagines that his personal charisma has done a great deal to connect him to his intended youth audience. 'CXM8' is full of impish grime and knowing synth-sleaze, yet it basically just bounces from one Sunday school lesson to another - "Got Joy" points out the difference between joy and happiness, "Nothin'" affirms no righteousness except through Christ, and "My God" proudly eschews idolatry. Theologically, 'CXM8' could not be more conservative. Ethically, too: "Somebody" (ftg ChantRose) is not a great song but is pleasingly direct in its affirmation of boys' and girls' self-esteem not depending on the sexual approval of the other. "Just The Way It Is" disavows pluralism, homosexual lifestyles and sex before marriage (sample lyric: "First Corinthians six verses nine and ten/Talks about fornication and effeminate men"), pointing out that being counter-cultural is part of a Christian's vocation. Such political incorrectness, allied to Gap D's cheeky chappie charm, render 'CXM8' a potent under-the-radar discipleship tool. One can imagine the youth events revving up with Gap D and Matty's challenge on "100 Percenter", 21st century Christian grime's sequel to The Tribe's 1997 standard-bearer "Jumping In The House Of God". 'CXM8' delivers for the Key Stage 3 audience, and consequently there is no shame in its lack of artistic merit. While lyrics like "I got joy in Jesus Christ/Nothing else feels quite as nice" should never have made it past a joke, "100 Percenter" messes up its recording levels to the extent that the vocal sounds like two E-numbered children shouting in front of the TV and "My God"'s bizarre shout-out to Mary Berry of GBBO fame is exuberant but perverse, 'CXM8' does what it is supposed to. It is stylistically irreverent while being unabashedly traditional, delighting in the Lord's Law as per Psalm 1; and it exalts the victory of Christ on the title track in a way that would make Gustaf Aulén proud. If your 12-year-old puts this on the car stereo, don't turn it off.

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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