Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Garage Hymnal are a radical worship outfit from Australia who've clocked up several albums but have only now come to Cross Rhythms' notice. It's quite an oversight as their delightfully crafted blend of rock and acoustic elements and two exceptional female vocalists make for a sound which effortlessly rises above the worship-by-numbers crowd. This is a Christmas project and does contain a couple of yuletide evergreens ("Go Tell It On The Mountain" and "The Holly And The Ivy") but it's the originals which really resonate. "Stand In The Presence" has a delicious vocal from Stephanie Vandenhengel over a driving bassline, "Love All Lovely" is Christina Rosetti's poem given a Garage Hymnal makeover while "Transmission"/"News Of Great Joy" move from a doomy grunge instrumental into a lilting version of a song plucked from Complete Anglican Hymns Old And New. Throughout instrumental dexterity and the sheer invention of pristine arrangements make these Aussies' take on old and new songs of the incarnation a delight to the ear and a lift to the spirit. If, like Cross Rhythms, you missed 'Lowly' this Christmas, get a copy for the next holiday. Mind you, you'll be playing it throughout 2014.

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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