Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Opaque Nature are a Coventry-based worship aggregation and this eight-song studio album was recorded between July 2013 and January 2015. All the songs here were written by the band with the exception of "Watch Over Me" which, no doubt, sounds very different from the version William Booth and his early Salvationists once sang. Opaque Nature's musical/spiritual approach could broadly be described as ambient-influenced worship music and with a singer who can shift from gentle but husky tones into affected bursts of falsetto and a nice set of slow and midtempo songs accompanied by synth washes and mellow bursts of guitar this is well executed start. The lyrics focus on God's faithfulness, mercy and, of course, his unremitting love. All in all 'Looking Up' would be an excellent accompaniment to personal devotions but would equally work well in church soaking sessions. Here's hoping I get to Coventry sometime soon so I can slouch on a beanbag, let these talented young men play, and be led into the presence of the Lord. In the meantime this CD will do almost as well.

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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