Reviewed by Elliot Rose

Lincoln has always attempted to push the boundaries of rock worship. In this 2012 Christmas album he has taken several "traditional" songs from the festive season and given them the true Brewster makeover. The lively title track kicks the album off, whose overdriven guitars and funky drumbeat give the antique tune a fresh feel. The carol updating is even better on "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing", even if some of the new chords don't quite fit. Lincoln's own composition "Shout For Joy" sounds a lot more comfortable, but the peak of the album is the instrumental "Miraculum" which is simply outstanding - edgy, gritty and rich in texture and tone. The same cannot be said about the all the tracks; his cover of Chris Tomlin's "Our God" feels somewhat out of place (even with the added "O come let us adore him" refrain) and his rendition of "Little Drummer Boy" almost sounds like a parody - the "rup-a-pum-pum"s either make you laugh or cringe. Fortunately the bluesy "Silent Night" ends the album on an overall deserved high.

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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