Reviewed by Carl Grimsditch

With urgency and passion in their delivery, the 11 tracks here really go for the spiritual jugular. Guided again for their fifth album by producer Otto Price; Alyssa, Becca and Lauren are clearly desperate to impact people's lives and to grasp what God is offering them. As the album title suggests there is a theme of love and war running through the record, "Love Is Marching" and "Running Out Of Time" demonstrate this juxtaposition beautifully. The opening track "Come Alive" is an energetic call to battle, the song gives an obvious message saying "Wake up, get out, there's no time to waste now/Never shut up it's our time to speak now". "Beautiful Ending" describes God's love for us with the key line "At the end of it all, I want to be in your arms" being repeated over and over conveying this beautiful ending. The use of keyboards, strings and synths in the record add extra depth, lifting the songs up allowing for more dynamic range and effect in the album. At the quieter end "Tears Fall" is a very simple, soulful track, the feelings conveyed in this song are amplified by its contrast with the other more upbeat and rocky tracks. On the whole this album is electrifying but there are drawbacks. Firstly it is slightly overproduced with a High School Musical auto-tuned feel many of the vocals. Secondly, the final song features a reprise at the end which is really not necessary. But overall, BarlowGirl continue to develop their approach to pop rock ministry with plenty of passion.

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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