Posted by Patrick Ovenden in Pembrokeshire @ 23:11 on Jan 25 2013

An 80s pop album released in 1985 when groups like the Thompson Twins and the Pet Shop Boys were creating similar synth-driven environments with atmospheric vocals.

Tubal Cain aren't as cool as the secular groups they sound a bit like. And this isn't to do with the thoughtful Christian lyrics. Rather, it's because Brian Jones' voice doesn't quite have the 'command' of the Thompson Twins or the mechanised detachment of Neil Tenant. Debra Jones’ voice is rather unconvincing in New Wave mode and almost classical when she sings ballads. Square pegs in round holes.

Once you get over the embarrassment of the way this album slightly misses its goal, you can appreciate the sonic textures, melodies and intelligent words of this devotional pop oddity.