Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

I met a Katina in a toilet in Nashville recently and was forced to admit that I hadn't heard this much delayed album. I wish I had heard it because I could have waxed long and lyrical about its virtues. Those with long memories will remember a debut album many moons ago under the moniker The Katina Boys but time passes and now these guys have made it to manhood, this mature funky workout is going to fittingly place them on the musical map. Stylish, groovy with enough funk to get you excited and enough vocal talent to drown you in a sea of harmonies! The album begins strongly with 'Takin Me Higher' setting the scene with its punchy horns and dance feel and 'There You Are', a slow grooving soulful celebration of the security we find in God. By the time we reach 'The Circle' the band have knocked me for six! But there's more and whether it's the layered sweet soul of 'One More Time', the unremitting joy of the funky 'So Good (Mighty Vibe)' or even the bittersweet string filled tribute to their mother, 'Mama'. The Katinas have it covered demonstrating their versatility. Only one quibble: the album does bland out a little towards its close with an overdose of ballads. Shame really because other than that, these brothers are a class act!

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