Reviewed by Alastair McCollum

An exceptional recording, oozing with talent, from this North Carolina sibling sextet under the guidance of Donald Lawrence, renowned producer and gospel musician. This is contemporary gospel music, encompassing funk, soul, R&B and dance music elements and weaving them into a seamless (but not overly produced) whole. From the horns, wah-wah guitar and '70s style funk of "Better" through sermon and song combined on "Family (There's A Healing)" via the acoustic guitar-driven "Can You Stand The Rain?" and the soulful R&B of "I Will Wait" there isn't a wasted note or a track which doesn't impress - all sandwiched between the tight vocals of the Intro/Outro "One Mo' Time". There are slower, more trad gospel orientated pieces such as "Don't Let Me Fall" which reflect the family's experience as part of the Tri-City Singers but even here there is a freshness about The Murrills' sound. These siblings have been singing and playing together for nearly two decades and this certainly doesn't sound like a debut recording. Lyrically, 'Family Prayer' is impressive too. The family have seen their share of troubles and difficulties, as is evidenced by some of the autobiographical content of the lyrics, but have overcome and share their faith passionately and honestly. Musically it is absolutely top notch, spiritually it's like bottled faith!

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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