Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

The buzz that has surrounded Robin Mark's rise to popularity in Ireland has for a long time been creating interest in other parts of Britain. With the release of  'This City These Streets', it's time to blow away the wrappers and give everyone a chance to sample his fine music. This album is a mixture of songs inspired by Robin's observations of life in Belfast and some of them are praise songs for which he has become known. Established fans will love the gentle passion of "How I Love You" and "How Beautiful". But there are also many outstanding songs captured here that will win Robin a legion of new admirers. The seven minute "Billy Spence" is one of my favourites as Robin reflects on a previous revival to hit Belfast. The epic opening cut "Revival" is another plea for God to move but this time it is rooted in realistic observations of the society into which revival has to break. "Fathers And Sons" opens with a familiar piano riff and becomes an evocative memoir of Robin's childhood with a broader message. The smoky jazz of "A Million Other Men" pulls some of Robin's struggles into the pale moonlight as he sings and a wonderful piece of sax pulls at the emotions. With this album, it feels as though Robin Mark has spread wider the canvas on which his musical poetry paints and this deserves to be the album that rockets him to a bigger level.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.