Reviewed by Steve Best

Sometimes an album comes out that leaves you so excited that you just can’t stop playing it. This, the full length debut from Perth, Australia label Scope Music’s latest excellent solo artiste, Kirste, is one shining example. This is infectious radio-friendly pop, which makes its point and is gone in a trice. Barely 40 minutes have elapsed before this modern-day masterpiece takes its bow with the complex fusion leanings of “Love In Me”. Produced by the highly accomplished Paul Mabury, and featuring the not inconsiderable musical skills of Scope label-mates the jive express, “There Back” features 10 Kirste lyrics coupled to the irresistible music of Simon McCarthy (and, on the poignant “Pride”, David Sandercock) and even a guest appearance by Hillsong favourite Tulele Faietolu on the ballad “This Day”, where both vocalists really pull out all the stops; but Kirste is clearly the star of the show throughout, with a voice that veers between vulnerable (“Breaking Me Down”), and powerful (the Texas-like “Keep It To Myself”), and there are so many hook-laden hits on offer here – the wondrous “Frail” is as sure-fire a radio hit as I have ever heard - that I can already barely wait for the follow up. A highly impressive and accomplished full debut which, if Scope Music can get the distribution they so richly deserve, will leave its mark for years to come.

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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