Reviewed by Tony Cummings

An urban gospel man from South Carolina whose smooth and soulful take on gospel could be just what you're longing for if you go for the velvety voiced pyrotechnics of today's R&B crooners but are alienated by their bedroom lyrics. No such dubious dabblings here, Kaize (pronounced Kazzy) offers smooth and sinuous contemplations on God's holiness ("Holy Is The Lord"), the Lordship of Christ ("Captain Of My Soul") and a delightful take on Psalm 8. Producers Rodney Edge (Christopher Brunson), Ray Winters (Donald Lawrence), Darren 'Tripp' Thomas and Redman Caldwell all take Kaize down similar paths, with simple thudding synth grooves filled out with Kaize's languidly acrobatic vocals and lashings of male harmony BVs. Stretched over a 13-song album the effect can be a tad soporific so one was glad when our man finally changes direction with an old school "Jubilee Medley" complete with choir and brass. But it's those sweet and neat soul shuffles like the haunting opener "Grab The Love" where a single piano chord creates an hypnotic effect which will create the interest. An impressive debut.

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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