Reviewed by Tony Cummings

When Peter shocked CCM followers by stepping away from the Newsboys in 2009 many wondered what might come next. What came was 2011's infectious electro-pop solo 'On Fire' which produced several Cross Rhythms turntable hits and showed the Nashville-transplanted Australian had lost none of his winning ways in finding ultra-catchy dance-tinged grooves. Now Peter has re-introduced the rock element to the proceedings which have long kept the Newsboys CCM big hitters. Strangely, the members of Furler's band (one-time Superchick man Dave Ghazarian on guitar and bass and drummer Jeff Irizarry) aren't actually playing on 'Sun And Shield', the instrumentation here left to Steve Taylor's studio and touring band - John Mark Painter, Jimmy Abegg and Mr Taylor himself - along with some all-star guests including a former and a current Newsboy Phil Joel and Jeff Frankenstein and '80s Christian rock star Mylon Le Fevre. The title track opener is a memorable rock-driven worship sound, "So High" with its fusion of Aussie rock and funk could almost be an old Newsboys track and the satirical "Dare I Say" is a clever shot at Church culture which shows that Taylor has lost none of his acerbic wit. Another gem is the simply arranged worshipful "Yeshua" on which Le Fevre shows he's lost none of his bluesy chops while the introduction of a sitar in the middle of "Shame" works brilliantly as the song reaches a crescendo. Another masterly Furler/Taylor combination.

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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