Reviewed by Peter Dilley

Featured back in CR13, during a US promotional tour for their debut album, New Zealanders Hoi Polloi promised more of the band's energy and rawness in their next release. Recording it in Nashville might seem at odds with this desire, but they kept their word. The key to the sound on 'Spin Me' is David Ball's abrasive lead guitar, sometimes blues-tinged, elsewhere frenetically Edge-like, starkly underpinned by the drums and bass. Rising over this harsh melange are Jenny Gullen's vocals, full of conviction and restrained power, with just the occasional hint of menace. In contrast to the raw final sound, there is nothing rough or unfinished about the lyrics: "Back To Zero", "Angel" and the pensive "Show Me" display a conspicuous talent for exploring human/spiritual themes without sermonising. Musically, the band's originality extends beyond their own songs - the version of "Turn, Turn, Turn" rates as one of the highlights, its plea for peace ending to the pulse of a beating heart over an echoing Gregorian chant. A powerful album from a band not content to play safe with their recording deal.

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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