Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

'Passion (An Act Of)' is their latest album recorded last year as a rock opera to be performed with choreography and a storyline of redemption from the excesses of empty rock'n'roll lifestyle fit for the '90s rock generation. Stylistically, it's their best yet in terms of production values. Screaming guitars are still to the fore complete with lyrics that hold no punches in describing the pains and realities of life as well as the message of the Gospel. An ambitious project! Standouts include the punchy mechanical rhythms of "Robot", the stupendous groove of "Celebrate Party Time Mardis Gras Happy Hour" (surely a nominee for the Cross Rhythms bizarre song title of the year award!) but the unpleasantness of the story, however true to life, is played out in "Rape". And in a nutshell the song sums up the effectiveness of NLM because they take a real "street" approach to the subject matter, hold nothing back and at the same time communicate the downside of life whilst winning those who can relate to the pain to redemption in Christ. I'm left thinking that if only more Christian bands would be brave enough to escape from the cliches of CCM and recognise life's dark side whilst offering the full Gospel as a response, we would communicate more effectively with those who desperately need to hear the message. NLM should be applauded for pioneering.

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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