Reviewed by Ian Whitwood

Cheshire-based Lydia was a student of The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance and was supported by Voice Music's Brighter Sounds Project. Here she delivers six of her own songs (plus a bonus track written by Shirley Richards) on her debut and it's a shame it's taken us over three years to review this 2013 release. Co-producer Simon Smith (piano) together with Joe Whettam (guitar) and Matt Williamson (drums) assist Lydia on the powerful track "Soul Awakening" as she describes the "battle inside me that I have to suffer constantly" in a clear tone that becomes richer and more passionate as the song progresses, with strings developing the mood as she sings "I bow down to the King, my soul surrendering." "Don't Let Me Get Away" demonstrates her impressive vocal range while tracks three, four and five are more stripped down and intimate, especially "Dwelling Place" with Lydia addressing the Holy Spirit personally. "Break My Stone", with low key introduction, increases in intensity with piano and strings combining as Lydia declares "I'm going to jump without fear, run with you so far" and extra voices add impact. A beautiful stringed solo section reminds us of the quality support given to Lydia by members of Epiphany. A beautifully produced recording with the final mixing done by Dan Sterling of Innervation Trust.

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