Reviewed by Andy Cooper

This is a surprise: authentic punk from what has, so far, been a dedicated dance label. However, this album launches the Abundant Worship subsidiary of MYX. And what a launch it is! Stefan Nelson and Greg Young (Virus, Bubblebaby Experience, Ambient Theology) return to their roots (before more electronic forms of music started grabbing their attention) by turning 11 well known and respectable church choruses into an inspiring, energetic, totally raucous wall of distorted guitar noise, furious drums and ambiguously tuned, gruff vocals (just like the real thing). At first, their Pistols-esque versions of David Hadden's "Better Is One Day", Martin Smith's "Happy Song" , Rick Founds' "Lord I Lift Your Name On High", you-know-who's "Shout To The Lord" will either make you run out of the room screaming (if you never understood punk the first time round), or will put a smile on your face and compel you to get up and MOSH! This really is conducive to worship. It is not respectable, but who said worship should be? If you love worshipping but find most church music a bit tame, try this. What may be a headache to some will be a tonic to many others including this reviewer! Howzabout the English National Anthem ("God Save The Queen") on volume two, please?

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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