Reviewed by Paul Loader

'Forget And Not Slow Down' is the sixth studio album from Ohio's CCM hitmakers and the first since long term drummer Dave Douglas left the band in 2007 and was replaced by Ethan Luck. The album, by the band's own admission, is more up beat than previous recordings and was born out of lead singer and song writer Matt Thiessen's self imposed three month isolation at the beginning of 2009 (he took himself off to a quite place to write without distraction). The album as a whole really shows us the joy and passion the band had as they shared a studio with Florida-based rock band The Almost to record the album and spent most of the time swapping equipment and guesting on each others tracks. Clearly the band had a great time and this comes through on 'Forget And Not Slow Down'. The outstanding track for me is "Sahara" (featuring guest artists from four other bands, no less), which goes right back to the more punk orientated roots of Relient K, all gritty guitars and passionate vocals. The title track very much shows how much the band have been influenced over the years by artists such as Counting Crows while "Part Of It" shows more than a nod to Foo Fighter's in its delivery and I for one love it. "This Is The End" is by far the most punk-based track on the album and has a romping naivety about it, which for me adds to the charm. If you didn't get this album in your Christmas stocking last year make sure you go out and get a copy.

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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