Yfriday - Rainmaker / Open

Reviewed by Haydon Spenceley

Strictly for those who don't own the original albums I suppose, and a good introduction to a fine band. These Geordies are a great band, especially live, with incendiary shows and great songs, while their last album 'Revolution' stands tall as one of the best British worship records of the last few years, in the opinion of this writer. Having said all this (and hopefully making it clear that I am a fan of the band) I must register disquiet at such a quick re-release their first two albums. Granted, both contain fine songs, such as "Holy, Holy Holy" from 'Rainmaker" and "Rain" and the marvellous "Head Over Heels" on 'Open', and exhibit worshippers' hearts through every pore, but somehow it all doesn't quite add up. But let that not detract from the fact that these two albums stand up very well to the marching of time. 'Rainmaker' is exuberant, and it shouldn't be forgotten that it was independently-financed and released originally, while 'Open' gave a polished nod to where things were heading, with Ken Reilly's signature vocals and Dez Minto's passionate drumming to the fore.