Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

In January this year Cross Rhythms featured the Newcastle Christian music scene and on my trip up north I first met Jane Kitson. At the time her demos showed a great deal of promise and months later, she's delivered this fine independently recorded CD. In the early days of the youth event Yfriday, out of which a fine worship band emerged and signed to Survivor Records, Jane was actually part of the original worship team so it's no surprise to find Yfriday's guitarist Ken Riley contributing some excellent guitar and production to this CD. The result is very strong though this is not actually a worship EP. Instead, 'Simple Life' is six songs packed with memorable hooks and capped by Jane's strong voice. It's also a recording of emotional contrasts from the aching title cut to the pure pop of "You Complete Me". "Bare" is rockier whilst my favourite song is the more reflective prayer "Make Me Your Reflection" complete with a deceptive poppy groove and the challenge for those who desire to follow Christ to surrender everything. This is one of the best independent projects of 2002 and if you're into female singer/songwriters, then you really need to check this out.

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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