Reviewed by David Faulkner

The rise of home technology for recording, especially on laptops, has led to the rise of genres like lo-fi and folktronica in the wider music scene. It has been a boon for Christian artists, too. With the recession and the general music industry crisis making for few opportunities to sign to major Christian labels, many a talented Christian indie artist has arisen this way. Step forward Rollo Hope, converted while suffering from ME and miraculously healed of the disease in 2008. This recording is largely very simple, with single and double-tracked vocals and the same with his acoustic guitar. Does that make this quite a samey recording? Yes it does, and it also tends to be a little one-paced. Further, the occasional lyrical metaphor doesn't work, such as Jesus in John 21 being 'liquid light'. However, the technology makes the sound clearer than you have any right to expect from a bedroom recording, the vocals are pure and tuneful, and the playing accomplished. In addition, several of the songs - not least "Shadow" - linger in the mind. Lyrics cover stories from the Bible ("Liquid Light"), church history ("Simeon" is about Simon Stylites) and Hope's own experience of life and faith. Recommended for fans of Nick Drake and early folkie Graham Kendrick.

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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