Reviewed by Peter Bate

It's been a long time in coming but the songwriter/worship coordinator/producer extraordinaire first album for almost four years has most definitely been worth the wait. It is fair to say that there is not one weak song on this recording which grows in depth and stature with each play. Charlie's newly formed 'stripped down to the basics' band sound like they've been gigging together for years - a million miles away from the pristine pop arrangements of 'Lovelife'. "Climb A Tree" sees Charlie's mellow vocals placed over broody guitars and a thumping kick drum. Also worth a mention is "Slippery Pearls", a bluesy duet with Ashley Cleveland that oozes feeling. The album reaches a peak with "My Father's Crown" which starts off as a bittersweet ballad with the singer mourning the death of a loved one, building up to a passionate crescendo with Charlie crying "Hallelujah" as he pictures the restored relationship in the next world. Peacock has never been one to put on a pious mask creating a warmth and intimacy with the listener through his poignant honesty. Typical of this is "William And Maggie", a playful yet emotionally charged tale of an ageing couple whose love has grown blurred with time. Throughout Charlie asks questions that hurt - take "Monkeys At The Zoo" for example: "If you were to dive deep inside my soul/Would you find Jesus or a gaping hole?" Production, as you'd expect from Mr Peacock, is of the highest class. Mature in its spacious feel, it allows for some nice touches such as Charlie's1 occasional ad libbing in the back of the mix. This is an album full of insight and originality -may more artists follow this man's lead.

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