Reviewed by Simon Calvert

I think Deliverance Ablaze have sent this tape in for review a second time as a cunning marketing ploy! The original release was reviewed in CR27 by Andrew Privett who gave it eight squares. He made some comments on the quality of the recording and in response the band have had the album remastered. I cannot compare this new version with the old one since I don't have a copy. Suffice it to say that the recording is better than some private recordings I have heard. However, I have not fallen in love with DA as Andrew Privett did. The use of a drum machine weakens the impact of the songs. Some tracks aim to be anthemic stadium rockers - you simply cannot pull that off with a drum machine. However, like Andrew Privett I see the potential in Deliverance Ablaze. And I agree that they are probably exciting live and would appeal to fans of "old" Petra and White Heart and of Rez. I will not interfere with Andrew's original square rating although I would have been less generous. Some work with instrumentation and clearer direction on the production side might justify that sort of rating for their next recording.

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.