Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Over the years, Midlands-based singer/songwriter and Cross Rhythms contributor Paul Poulton has ploughed his own laidback furrow of gospel, blues and light funk and his latest album is certainly no exception. Featuring newer members Leroy Johnson and Denise J Thompson on backing vocals together with stalwarts Nic Burrows and Chris Smith on drums and keyboards respectively, proceedings kick off with a cover of the Glenn Patscha song "Get Back Temptation" which features a tasty guitar lick or two from Poulton as well as his trademark low key vocal delivery and sets the groove for an album that gets better with every listen. Keen to reference his gospel blues roots, Poulton delivers his take on old standards such as "Wade In The Water" and "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" á la Clapton whilst a fun version of "Since I Laid My Burden Down" points to the difference God has made to the singer's life. Poulton's observational writing style comes to the fore in the likes of "Words Were Said" and "I Can't Stand The Sadness" which both empathetically comment on the relationship problems of others whilst the ska-tinged "Scorn Of Fools" and a remake of his own "Get In The Spirit" are the icing on the cake of another unique but enjoyable offering from the Paul Poulton Project.

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