Reviewed by Paul Poulton

This male trio are no beginners; they know how to ply their trade. Phemi Ajayi, Sammy Imevbore and Tokunbo Olusi, formerly solo musicians, have come together to make some fine groove laden music. The singing has an African feel about it, most of it in the higher male register, which make the harmonies quite delightful. The lyrics are uplifting and full of straight-up no-nonsense praise and exhortation. The production has space and plenty of it, which helps the songs to move along. There is however room for a meaner, sharper and harder-edged mix. "It's Alright" is a great song but seems to be crying out for a Nile Rodgers-type guitar part, such a fine song ought to kick a bit more than it does. "Trees Of Righteousness" is a lovers rock sounding reggae song with a token deep voice towards the end of the song, hmmmm, could have skipped that one. Reggae has moved on, gospel communicators need to move with it or get left behind. Most of the songs are in Gospophilia's own infectious style, which has a definite original feel about it. So though there is much to commend this debut, I'm hoping the next album will boldly go where no trio has gone before.

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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