Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

German singer/songwriter Sarah Brendel recorded this five track EP back in 1998 and it still sounds fresh and invigorating, delivering with the passion of someone like Jennifer Knapp and a lyrical intensity that stops you in your tracks. Whether it's the vulnerable honesty of the opener "Accepted", or the shock factor of the edgy "Something Wrong" designed to paint a realistic picture of contemporary society, Brendel connects. "My Father's Girl" explores Sarah's relationship with God whilst the title cut takes her back onto the street reaching out to the broken hearted. The beautiful piano ballad "No Sad Song" shines the lingering light of hope to comfort those going through dark times. Influences include Dylan and Joni Mitchell and it seems that Sarah splits her songwriting between illustrating the realities of personal faith whilst also allowing that faith to reach out to the lost. It's a potent mix musically and lyrically. On the strength of this, no doubt she's beavering away in a studio somewhere right now putting the finishing touches to her debut album.

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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