Reviewed by Karl Allison

Every so often, Cummings throws you a real curve. This time it was a CD by a new artist with no inner sleeve, no track listing and no biographical information. Great. However, by means of signs and wonders, I am aware that Ian Eskelin was largely responsible for the Zero album last year, which I disliked. Great. Despite such forebodings, I loved the album! It's a totally trendy mixture of dance and rock styles, not unlike U2 in their latter day mode. Basically, the beat is dance and the instrumentation is rock, particularly the clever and consistent use of distorted guitar which is used to complement other harsh, metallic sounds. It all goes along at a breathless pace and yet remains tight and controlled. Although it's the first we've heard of him, this is the work of a seriously mature writer from whom I hope we'll hear a lot more. There are rumours that he may be visiting these shores to promote the album. I'll see you at the gigs. "Haven't You Heard" is the standout track off the album, a typically well crafted song with the big vocal chorus "In Jesus name - haven't you heard?"

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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