Reviewed by Carl Grimsditch

This is the bands fifth release with Sparrow Records and this set is gladly received with its thickly textured music and the use of extra instruments in some of the tracks - eg the pizzicato strings on "Lead Me" and the piano pattern on the introduction of "Keep My Heart Alive". As has become common in some more modern music the vocals have a somewhat over auto-tuned feel in places which is a shame as Matt Hammitt is highly regarded as one of the best rock singers on the current Christian scene. The lead guitar on some tracks is very effective and takes on a similar role to that of a keyboard in places like the introduction to "I Want To Get Lost" and "I'll Show You How To Live" "I'll Show You How To Live" says "I watch you take your first step/And I saw you run with no regret/To chase your dreams and find true love/And the best is yet to come", this song seems to be about a father watching his child grow up. The songs on this album are, in the main, excellent, with insightful lyrics and memorable hooks, though over the span of the album some sound a bit similar to each other. If there was more variation between them this would add to the listening pleasure.

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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Sanctus Real returns with their new studio album Pieces Of A Real Heart. This album finds the band maturing and growing as songwriters and individuals.

Pieces Of A Real Heart is the sound of a rock band retaining their aggressive edge but incorporating more diverse musical instrumentation and sounds - as heard on the debut single Forgiven.

The debut single Forgiven explores the theme of forgiveness in a profound and simple way. "The working out of forgiveness is so key to our growth and maturity as followers of Jesus," says lead singer Matt Hammitt. "The very idea that we have been forgiven for so much wrong moves, reforms, transforms and heals us. As we were framing Forgiven around this concept, we realised that this was such a fundamental aim for all of us - to forgive and be forgiven."

The standout track Lead Me is further evidence of the band's musical and lyrical growth, as the song follows a husband striving to lead his wife and family.