STYLE: Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 173846-27927 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Lins Honeyman
Despite being relatively late starters in the field of releasing albums, Gloucestershire-based husband and wife team Penny Lyon and Kevin Washburn (better known as Out Of The Ashes) have certainly made up for lost time over the last few years. This, their fourth album since 2012, sees the pair offer up yet another quality set of original songs that defy current musical trends with fun, vigour and an obvious passion for Jesus. Pulling out the big guns from the word go with a brass section, funky bass lines and a Hammond solo to die for from Mark Walker, the upbeat title track sets the scene for an album that advocates complete reliance on God no matter the situation whilst tracks like the soulful "Steady Hand" and the cod rock 'n' roll of "Pray That Prayer" continue in the same thematic vein. Four albums in, Out Of The Ashes seem to have settled on the blues as their default musical setting with numbers like "Come On Home" and "Unaccountable Comfort" - both of which are bolstered by guest appearances from Paul Jones on harmonica - being cases in point whilst genres like rockabilly and light funk are referenced in the likes of "Crocodile" and "I Am Yours" respectively. A sizeable cast of musicians and backing vocalists pull out all the stops to allow Lyon's assured vocals and Washburn's delicious guitar work (which gets tastier with each outing) to really shine and, judging by the album cover and various social media posts, it looks like all involved had a fantastic time making this hugely enjoyable and accomplished release - something that certainly transfers to the listening experience.
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