Reviewed by Ewan Jones

'The Legend Of Simon Peter' is a well crafted, fun loving album with a real '70s rock-and-roll sound to it. The track "Saved"' is as good a sing-a-long as Free's "Alright Now" ever was, and throughout the 12 tracks the songs remain fresh and well constructed. Aaron LaMere's lyrics veer from praise and worship to the words of a worn down broken man, yet are always somehow instilled with hope. On funk-driven tracks like "Can't Seem To Sober", time is given for the songs to really open up, cue wailing guitar solos and imaginative arrangements. The band are not afraid to embrace the wide range of styles that stem from the blues - from rock to country, to quiet, contemplative acoustic tracks. Still, despite the variety, the songs really fit together well. Only at times can you tell that this was a completely independent production, recorded and released by the band themselves in LaMere's home. Even when hints of their DIY approach filter through, it seems to add to the songs' charms. I can't quite put my finger on it, but there is something incredibly charming and appealing about this disc.

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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