Reviewed by Peter John Willoughby

Abel are an indie rock band from New York who recently moved to Come & Live! Records. Their debut EP 'The Honest Love' was released by Dreamt Records, a division of Facedown Records, but have now moved to the outfit which gives 100 percent of their profits to humanitarian and missions organisations. This full-length album is available as a free download from the label's website. Vocalist Kevin Kneifel explained, "The album is about how we often lose focus on the things that are truly lasting and important in this life. It's about discovering that forgiveness is real, and that no matter how far away from God we wander, he always takes us back." It opens with a wistful worship track before "Saints" adds some bite, "If only we had eyes to see you with/If only we had ears to hear/If only we could be the children of love". I particularly enjoyed the drumming on "The Martyr" as it shows off a range of tempo and percussive changes from gentle background tapping to powerful thumping. Then in the title track there are passionate guitars and a heartfelt chorus, "And you paid the price for lesser men/When I can't believe that I would ever act this way/We are all the same, we just want love/And we are safe in your hands". "Titanic" tries to convey the fear and hopelessness of impending disaster. The desperate crying out to God for rescue also carries over into "Take Me Home". I'm afraid that "Come Ye Weary" seemed a bit leaden for my tastes. That extra sparkle can be found in the final "Atlantic" couplet with its soaring guitars. On reflection this release is all about spiritual soul-searching and could almost be classified as a worship album.

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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