Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Few frontmen of punk rock bands would even think of recording a solo project, particularly an acoustic orientated one, for the simple reason that few punk rockers have sufficient singing ability to pull it off. But Sef, singer/guitarist with Boise, Idaho-based Christian punk band False Idle, has surprised everyone with this release and we can report it shows that his voice is well able to handle singer/songwriter type material. Not that the songs here concern themselves with spiritual matters. "Big And Strong" is an autobiographical number on which Sef expresses admiration for his tough, hard-working father while "Back Then" deals with changing relationships ("What happened to the friend I knew back then"). But the best song is "In The Sand" which begins with Sef's declaration to his girl, "I've never been the author of a simple sappy love song/I've been slightly reluctant to vocalise that emotion/Because I know that love is more than a youthful short-lived feeling/I never wanted to make light of something that's so real." A good start to a great song. Production is stripped down and minimal and personally I could have done with a bit of percussion. But as a songsmith to take note of, Sef Idle has presented a pretty impressive calling card.

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.