Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Back in the '70s the west coast of America was a hotbed of Christian music and Sweet Comfort Band emerged with a debut album on Calvary Chapel's Maranatha! Music label in 1977. That album still awaits a re-release but in the meantime Retroactive Records have issued all five of the band's albums originally on Light Records. 'Breakin' The Ice' was first issued in 1978 and marked the first time all the elements that made this band great came together. With a marriage of funk and jazz, pop and rock, this features a finely crafted selection of songs and a lush production that includes the world class Seawind horn section. Vocals from keyboardist Bryan Duncan, drummer Rick Thompson and guitarist Randy Thomas create some gorgeous harmonies. This is a classic album for the period and standouts include the upbeat opener "Got To Believe" where the pair trade vocals, and the funky pop perfection of the title cut. The pounding "Searching For Love" highlights the blue eyed plaintive soul vocals of Duncan and the effective groove of the Thompson brothers' rhythms section. The closing "I Love You With My Life" has remained a favourite for Duncan who penned the tune and has re-recorded it a number of times over the years. The band went on to record a further four albums into the '80s but, for me, never managed to top this gem. It's still a mystery to me why the SCB didn't become one of the hugest bands of the genre considering their panache in creating funky, well produced pop. Enjoy this on CD while you can, it was one of the great albums of the era.

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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