Reviewed by Andrew Wallace

After 15 years of leading worship around local churches and with the annual David's Tent event, London-based Danny O'Callaghan brings us his debut EP after a successful crowd funding campaign. This set of five explosive cuts is alternative, indie music at its best. The self-penned lyrics are intelligent and creative; the vocals raw and intense and the passionate musicianship reveals the heartbeat of a worship leader with a longing to see people break from ritualism to re-connect with the Father heart of God. O'Callaghan rocks out from the beginning in opening lead single "Burn" to a backdrop of driving beats and jangly guitars in a plea for God to move like a wildfire. The dramatic "Nineveh" with its wailing guitars, referencing the famous story of Jonah is a song of repentance, obedience and surrender to God's will. "Home" with its pumping keys and vocal reverb sees a prodigal returning to his Father. Standout cut 'Ashes' has the thumbprints of producer Elijah Mosely (John Mark McMillan) all over it; O'Callaghan's raw rock vocals sounding eerily like the aforementioned McMillan as his haunting vocals lament the sufferings and hardships of life before ending in a triumphant crescendo as he "rises from the ashes". An exciting and promising debut.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.