Reviewed by Oscar Hyde

More than 35 albums and 40 Greenbelt festivals into his career, Garth's found another new inspiration: the National Chartist Hymn Book. Chartism was a powerful mid-1800s English political movement protesting for steps towards democracy, shot through with a strong Christian motivation for social justice. Though the movement itself didn't achieve reform, it's acted as inspiration to many socially conscious Christians since; Hewitt's now brought the songbook to life in true troubadour sound, fanning the flames of a generation once again connecting worship and social justice. The hymns are powerful indeed: "Hail, Glorious Morn!" proclaims Christ's resurrection as his victory over the powers of oppression, and, by extension, the powers disenfranchising the working class. "For Every Thing A Time" draws from the famous passage in Ecclesiastes and "Hark, I Hear" from the story of Belshazzar's feast both remind the powers that be that the coming justice and liberation of God is inescapable. Other songs plead for God's intervention, with hope: "Yet not in vain thy children call/On thee, if thou are Lord of all". Hewitt's voice is a distinctly acquired taste but for me it reflects his passion and compassion; the music is simple enough to emphasise the lyrics and strong enough to make them ring.

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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