Reviewed by Paul Keeble This is a low-budget effort, but don't be put off as it is actually nicely put together with good arrangements of multi-layered guitar parts over bass, what sounds like well-programmed drum machine and occasional keyboard pads. I don't know who plays what as there are no credits on the minimal packaging, apart from "special guests Todd Olsen and Roy Fields" (I hope one of them doesn't turn out to be a
drummer!) The opener, "Daystar", is mid-tempo and pleasant but doesn't stick in the memory. Much better is the following "Hey Now No Doubt", built around a lovely guitar riff with a refrain slightly reminiscent of a Kula Shaker song. "Come Burn With Us" is a more driving song featuring a U2-ish guitar riff and a nice open feel. "Surrender" is next, slower, again well played, but let down by a monotonous melody and cliched and very repetitive lyrics. Finally "Holy Fire", with the most interesting tune so far and another good arrangement, makes a strong closer. Judah has apparently worked with Phil Keaggy and the influence shows in some of the guitar work. Like Mr K, his voice isn't the strongest but he makes the most of it and stays within his limits. Overall, worth checking out, especially if you're into guitar playing, but maybe there is a better album in him.
Coda: At the risk of sounding as repetitive as the lyrics I am about to criticise, yet again an otherwise competent to good set of songs is let down by mostly cliched and unimaginative wordsmithery. Is there a big bucket somewhere with a load of stock praise and worship couplets in (you know the ones: "fall down before/worship and adore", "I am/ lamb" etc) from which songwriters sprinkle a random selection over their tunes like sugar on Cornflakes? Where is the creative imagination and imagery we see in Psalms like 23, 40, 63, and contemporary musicians like Bruce Cockburn (now I am definitely repeating myself!). I've got no problem with the truths and sentiments being expressed, lets just see some new ways of expressing that will inspire us to appreciate them afresh.
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