Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

I often wondered what happened to Gabe Wilson, frontman of one of the most creative turn of the century bands, The Rock'n'Roll Worship Circus, but here he is producing the debut album from Southampton's The Bright Expression. And what a great job he's done helping the band to create an alternative pop sound. The band somehow manage to combine the surging worshipful melodies of ministries like Bethel Music and Jesus Culture but with a slightly more alternative sound. The joy of this album is the variety of the music and the fact that it avoids many of the formulaic sounds of found on today's "worship" releases. Some of the quieter moments are the most intense. So, the gentler "Resurrect Me" with its repeated refrain of "coming alive in you" is right at the heart of the album and the gorgeous title track is an understated ethereal ballad which is a real highlight. "Dancing" is a bouncy, joyful opener and "Kingdom Of Light" is a bass-driven groove which creates something very special. "Louder" is jangly pop and it's these more "alternative" sounding moments which prevent The Bright Expression from simply becoming another Bethel wannabe. Instead they are beginning to sculpt a fresh sound.

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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