Reviewed by Alan & Angeline Chesters

Chris Wickland is the main songwriter behind Fareham-based rock outfit Metamorphic and he describes 'Life On The Farm' as a concept album based on dreams and visions God has given him. These are developed as songs and instrumentals with Chris performing and programming vocals and instruments - guitars and synthesisers - with Ben Lewis on bass and a closing live studio track with other musicians. The album evokes a spiritual effect, even if only in a subtle way, as background music or played while driving. Instrumental pieces catch the ear and are well arranged. Lyrical items include well visited themes such as "Alpha And Omega" and "Eternal Mystery" and the track "Just A Living Faith" includes the cliched line "Give me some of that old-time religion." Chris has said that some will find the album as weird, others a breath of fresh air. Although there is now so much good CCM emerging, this is an album which shouldn't be ignored plus proof that the spirit of prog rock lives on.

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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