Reviewed by Nigel Bayley

Carlisle-based singer/songwriter Jonny Gios used to be part of rock band Citizen John who had an EP out in 2002. 'Darkness Into Light' is his first solo CD and consists of four tracks which are more pop than rock. This isn't a problem in itself of course, and Jonny's songs are well written and arranged but their obvious potential is a long way from being reached on this EP. The songs are delivered with little passion and weak accompaniment. In fact, it sounds rather like Jonny is singing along to a backing track played on a keyboard, yet there's no doubt that if a tight five-piece band got hold of these songs they would sound very different. Added to this is the realisation that Jonny's voice simply doesn't deliver with any real authority and on a number of occasions the singing is out of tune. Lyrically, too, the songs need a bit more work for though Jonny gets it spot on in places, in others he sounds like he's just picked phrases merely because they rhyme.

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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