Reviewed by Pippa Rimmer

If you thought French music began and finished at Sacha Distel or Serge Gainsbourg, you’d be mistaken. The land of the sweetly playing accordion seems to be embracing another kind of music. Mamguz are a four-piece rock outfit who obviously mean business with the rest of Rockdom. These Gallic cousins really know how to pump up the volume. Think Delirious? crossed with the driving force of Audio Adrenaline mixed in with French and some solid production and you get the idea. The title tells us that we are “not of this world” (‘Pas De Ce Monde’). Standouts include "Longs Sont Les Hivers" (The Winters Are Long) which talks about how much stronger we are when we’re on our knees when the pressures of the world are too much; the kicking "Serre-Moi" (Hold me tight), which is a prayer asking God to take hold of us against the hardships of life; "Gloire" (Glory) which features a didgeridoo, Gregorian chant and vocal choir, is a simple hymn of praise which builds into what can only be described as a French "Delirious moment." Despite the obvious comparisons to the boys from Littlehampton, I am suitably impressed. Mamguz are gifted musicians and as a French speaker, I wouldn’t be ashamed having this CD among my collection. I can only imagine though that Mamguz cause quite a stir in the echelons of the French evangelical church. Keep rocking guys!

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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