Reviewed by Simon Eden

This is the debut album from Clive Parnell who is an evangelism trainer for UCCF which may explain why a thousand copies of this album were given away to Christian Union leaders recently. He maybe wider known for fronting IndigoEcho a few years ago and more recently The Mystery Tent at Greenbelt, but this album sees a departure from former indie rock incarnations into worship. With seven tracks lasting only 22 minutes, it is either a long EP or a mini-album. One thing is certain; yes, Clive, you sound exactly like Graham Kendrick vocally. The songwriting has come a long way even since 2008's Mystery Tent album 'Out Of Control'. This is mature, thoughtful congregational worship. For example "I Look At The Cross" contemplates the Romans 8.1 verse, "There is no condemnation for those in Christ." Acoustic guitar-based, it would be easy to take these crafted heart expressions into the church or Christian Union. "You Are Almighty" is a gentle flowing stream of acoustic guitar plucking akin to a lullaby. Cross-centred throughout, track six "Salvation" has a calm piano heartbeat accompanied by a gently flowing violin strings melody as the lyrics identify that salvation comes from Jesus, and our soul finds rest in him. "For Your Glory" has a resilient tambourine maintaining a driving tempo, whilst angelic female background vocals add a heavenly element. Overall the songs combine scriptural truth and gentle expression that leads a heart to the quiet waters of Psalm 23.

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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