Reviewed by Matt McChlery

The track "Bullet Proof" from this dazzling debut is already getting Cross Rhythms airplay and, as hipper music followers will know, Alamein's Torch are a Brighton-based band fronted by Paul Oakley. On the strength of this, worship leader Paul's brave move into the mainstream is going to be a success. Fresh, authentic and original, this album is a breath of fresh air in an often stuffy and unoriginal rock market. Right from the first note the album kicks off with the beautifully haunting intro "Funeral For Love", then things get cranked up by the toe-tapping "Bullet Proof". The soaring melody and orchestration in "Did We Lose Our Way" made my spirit soar. However, I have to say that my favourite track is the lyrically rich "Ka'ardi-ak". Songs are well written and produced and have multiple layers of complexity which add together to make a delightful rock-symphony. If you enjoy the work of The Killers or Elbow you are well advised to buy this album and look for an Alamein's Torch gig near you.

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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