Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

The Many are the house band of Chicago-based worship collective the Plural Guild and the follow up to their Christmas-themed debut album sees the group offer up what they call "feet on the ground" worship. To expand, the album hones in on the fact that we all have scars, wounds and imperfections and that it's perfectly valid to come to the foot of the cross just as we are. Possessing a suitably no frills backing of guitar, drums, bass and piano with a sprinkling of Hammond, tracks like the Kyrie song "Lovely Needy People" and the candid "Into Mercy" highlight God's acceptance of us just as we are and will speak volumes to believers with doubts, questions and trouble accepting God's grace whilst the title track is a communion song that really gets to the heart of the matter of why Christ's sacrifice is remembered in this way. To keep things varied and reflecting the band's name, a number of different vocalists with their own unique style deliver each song with skill, passion and genuineness with the smooth tones of Darren Calhoun adorning the soulful Easter song "Love Rises" whilst Leslie Michele adds a hint of gospel to the likes of "Forsaken" and the aforementioned "Into Mercy". Elsewhere, the indie pop vocals of chief songwriter Hannah Rand and a blues-tinged performance from now former member Kerry Anne Pritchard add further diversity to an album that is the perfect alternative to the big label modern worship conveyor belt that currently runs through the market.

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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