Reviewed by Matthew Cordle

Denver-based Tim Heil, Taylor Franklyn and Jonathan Burgess are Transform DJs and 'Never Alone' is their 2015 debut album. Taking as their inspiration Romans 12:2, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world. . .but be transformed. . .", these three DJs saw a gap in ministering to the clubbing generation and formed this ministry with three main goals; share the Gospel, defend pre-born and other defenceless people and lead God's people into worship. Their website has an informative intro video explaining what they're all about. 'Never Alone' comprises 17 EDM tracks of varying genres (electro, progressive, trance, house, glitch hop, chill step), yet retaining an overall sonic consistency such that you never feel like you're suddenly listening to a different record. With plenty of lovely, fat analogue synth riffs and 'phat' basslines, the music is firmly feel-good, with an underlying message of hope and the security that comes from knowing the Lord is with you, the title being based on Matthew 28:20; with Jesus in your life you are never alone. As one might expect, there's a mix of instrumentals, tracks with a simple lyrical motif and songs with a full vocal line. "Catch My Fall" could easily be a classic ATB floor-filler with its big Euro sound and sweet effected vocal phrases, except that it's based on the Lord's gracious and compassionate nature in not letting us fall, something we've not yet heard from ATB. "Voices" is notable in its catchy vocal line inspiring clubbers to sing, "We are the voices screaming for the voiceless. . .fight for the speechless/defend the weakest. . .", while sounding just like The Human League. "Forever" is the closing anthem of commitment declaring that, as a result of catching a glimpse of God's love, "I give my life to you, this is forever." Lindz West of LZ7 described the record as "a banger!" It's certainly now on my playlist.

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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