Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Regular Cross Rhythms readers will know that we have been supporting Northern Ireland's radical worshippers since those independent EPs back in 2008. Readers will also know that we were a little underwhelmed with their 'As Family We Go' album, our feelings being that their efforts to make an album which would most impact the throngs who gather in the stadia which Rend now often play, had taken away most of the Irish folk element which has made them so distinctive. So we are delighted to find that on the Bangor boys and girl's latest bestseller (number one in Britain's Official Christian & Gospel Chart no less) sees them return to the acoustic-worship-round-the-campfire vision which so gripped us on that first campfire meeting. While 'Campfire I' was recorded on a beach, this one was made in the woods and the sound quality is excellent for such an ambitious field recording. Lead singer Chris Llewellyn gets us into frantic praise mode with a short rendition of the trad favourite "This Little Light Of Mine" and then passing into a new version of "Free As A Bird". The original was a highlight on 'As Family We Go" but this acoustic run through is even better and the same can definitely be said for "Every Giant Will Fall" which in the words of another reviewer "is transformed from a run-of-the-mill pop worship tune into a creative and engaging praise anthem." Another big surprise is the band's single oldie "My Lighthouse" which with a jaunty piano and lead vocal from Ali Gilkeson demonstrates that Rend aren't simply resting on past achievements. The brand new song "Live Alive" also shows that they have lost none of their ability to write songs that stay with the listener from first hearing. All in all, a heartwarming, spirit-lifting 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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