Reviewed by Paul S Ganney

This CD is rock in a gentle sort of sense - more Crowded House than Metallica. In fact, very Crowded House (with a side-salad of Eagles) and as they describe themselves as something for rockers and country fans, I guess it's a comparison they'd be happy with. 'New Today' is very pleasant listening, more something to sway to than jump up and down. Even the wonderful guitar solo on "All I Want To Be" is more Clapton than Bonamassa. So have this Pennsylvania-based band, who've been gigging for years, any good? Yes, they are. 'New Today' is very well written, arranged, recorded and performed. Next 2 Nothing grew out of a worship team, which shows in their lyrical clarity and exhortations not to give up on God. Even the CD is paced more like a worship concert: building to the rockier stuff rather than kicking straight in, then backing off again rather than going all out for the finish line. When they go up-tempo, particularly on "Shine A Light", it does move well, especially when the organ kicks in at the mid-point and the lead guitar then taking over to complement the mood perfectly. All in all, an impressive album.

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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