Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

The band's debut album was a slow burner that put them on the map and gave them a Grammy nomination. Now the Southern rockers return with an album where they have chosen to turn everything up to 11 and it's paid off. Where their debut played it safe, 'Satisfied' is a riskier, edgier proposition and there is plenty to satisfy rock fans. All the things you loved about the debut are there, a punchy rhythm section, plenty of great guitar work, melodious songs and plenty of hooks but this time out it's intense. From the opening cut "Better Man" through to the closing bonus cut of their successful American single "Find You Waiting", this is one rocking album. Songs like "Satisfy" and "Falling For You" betray their classic rock influences but then they also know how to slow things down, get soulful and add a few different shades to balance out the white heat of some of the rock here. I can close my eyes, listen to "Look For Me" and imagine the glow of hundreds of mobile phones lifted high at their gigs. "For Your Glory" is another big ballad that will stop you in your tracks but I have to confess it's the rockers that really excite me here. Highlights for me are "Peace Of Mind" which lets fly but it's the fabulous "Gasoline" where they push out into new territory with a ferocious riff, distorted vocal, Beatles style trumpet and kiddie chorus that'll have you punching the air with delight. It's the song I can't stop playing on the radio. So much for second album slumps, DecembeRadio just seem to be getting better and better! Is there going to be a better rock record released in Christendom this year? Surely they'll be back at the Grammys.

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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