Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Some emerging acts get it right first time and this is certainly the case with the debut EP from Margate-based husband and wife worship duo mas. Consisting of vocalist Steph and multi-instrumentalist Michael, the Dickinsons offer up a collection of multi-faceted and stirring worship songs that obviously come from a place deep within their hearts and reflect God's faithfulness during times in the valley. Cases in point include the song of tribute to God's protection "Through" and the tender and heartfelt prayer of submission "Soften My Heart" - both of which contain great melodies, considered theological lyrics and Steph's assured and engaging vocals. Elsewhere, the acoustic guitar-led "That's What I Call Free" tells of the ransom paid by Christ's blood with clarity and passion whilst the self-explanatory "We Sing Hallelujah" is simple yet effective in its praise of God. Aside from Steph's sublime vocal performance, what makes this six-track offering really work is the musical inventiveness of the Dickinsons and producer Jonny Bird with ambient soundscapes sitting next to toy piano bridges one minute and full throttle codas the next with no track sounding the same as the other. Deservedly so, the epic "Take Me Back" has been added to the Cross Rhythms playlist - a track which closes this innovative and hugely enjoyable maiden voyage.

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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