Reviewed by Ian Whitwood

Volume two of this 19-track autism awareness compilation begins, like volume one, with a parent's positive declaration: "Thank you Jesus for my son/Let's go have some fun" offer South African duo The Old Timers on "Fun Times". High energy, guitar-driven punk follows as CPR (Christian Punk Rockers) announce that they're "In Business", with incisive vocals from Jet Wilson. Other standouts are "Dead Heroes", a ska-punk number with strong bass and lead guitar riffs from Tattered Angels; "Same Old Story" from The Bricks which has a bleak narrative of addiction and neglect then changes tempo and mood with the cry of "don't lose hope!"; and "The First Stone" by Kneel (Britain's Neil Roddy) which is a mini-sermon based on Jesus' words backed by a driving guitar-based wall of sound. Other acts such as Quick & The Dead, Screaming Bloody Marys (with East Bay Ray) and several high tempo South American bands including Chile's Metanoia all add their high energy voices. There is plenty of quality and variety so that even with some indistinct vocals this is a worthy second volume.

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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