Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

In case you've been in a dark room with a bag over your head for the past year, a brief recap. The much touted Burlap To Cashmere make music that is like a cross between Paul Simon and the Gypsy Kings, and have been knocking live audiences dead for a couple of years. Open-mouthed Christian music execs with jaws on the floor waved cheque books and the band finally signed to Steve Taylor's astute record label Squint. The band, many of them newly saved, got a reputation for behaving, in a not very Christian way, but Squint persevered and these days they're, erm, better behaved! It's those Latin influences, since this New York based band have plenty of hot blood running through their veins which may explain the hot music they make. Initially, before the Christian market woke up to their charms, A&M Records got in first, recording and releasing this live EP which showcased the band. The studio recording "Anybody Out There" established them very strongly, especially the radio hit "Basic Instructions" which is included in this live set. In fact all the tracks here made it onto the studio album, so you get fresh versions of "Chop Chop", "Anybody Out There?", "Divorce" and "Eileen's Song" all served in expertly delivered live fashion with a bit of audience reaction, and showing the musical chops of this fine band. Its re-release is simultaneously cashing in on the success of their studio debut, and also acting as a stop gap while the band get round to recording something new. Jolly nice as it is, I'd suggest you go for the studio album otherwise, if you're already a Burlap completist you might want this! It is great but not essential!

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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