Reviewed by Phil Thomson

I am hopeful that this is a new departure in worship - an album to send you to sleep. You could certainly have it on your deck as you hit the pillow and the beautifully tailored female vocal harmonies will have you in peaceful protection before track three - which I know is not the point. Yet, why not? The team, led by producer Stephen Carmichael for Heart Music, have crafted a sensitive and uncomplicated entreaty to find that private holy place. The perfectly blending voices of Aundrea Nyle, Bosede Rea and Susan Harriott gently urge us on through a series of reflections and personal encounters - which create the space you know you need to think, to let go, to drift with the Spirit of the Search. I was sure it all sounded too similar, a little safe, probably self-absorbed - then the second play, and I was hooked. None of the playing intrudes, there's no strident exhortations, no militancy. It is all a truly thoughtful, unassuming set of reflections and a very worthy contribution to the world of worship. Praise, it is not - but it does have attitude. On one or two occasions, the writing has an edge to it. I was tempted to ignore the fact that we are buying two CDs. This simply isn't corporate or congregational material, so why the instrumental (and boring) second album? It is an unnecessary indulgence in an otherwise blemish-free performance; I would even say, seductive. Stay awake and be impressed.

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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