Reviewed by Peter Timmis

In case you haven't yet heard this collective are a group of 15 or so young people with a singular vision, "to make journey music that talks from the heart and tries to follow God's heart". They seek to make worship music "grown in a natural environment without the use of nasty pesticides". This, the collective's first record label release, features re-recordings of songs originally released on two independent EPs and wonderful they are too. The songs presented here range from brass and piano filled sing-a-longs such as the infectious "Exalt" to the simple bucolic charm of "Love Divine" and "God Is Near". Recorded at Castlewellan Castle and mixed by Sam Gibson, who has worked with big names including Delirious?, the album's clean, radio friendly production is sure to win it plenty of airplay. Particular standouts are American worship radical David Crowder joining with the collective on "Faithful" and the pounding "Thine Be The Glory" (not the old hymn) which moves confidently into rock territory - perhaps betraying Sam's influence at the controls. Lyrically the group skilfully manage to express the joy of a deep personal relationship with God without falling into cliché and create a rousing modern worship album. Expect to hear a lot more about this exciting ensemble in 2010 and beyond.

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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