Shelter by Brian Houston

Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

A raw mix of rock, blues, gospel, soul and funk recorded in both Nashville and his hometown of Belfast with former Onehundredhours frontman Tre Sheppard in the producer's chair, Brian Houston's new release sees the Irish troubadour at the top of his game. With the raucously joyous "Come On My Soul" - complete with gospel-style backing vocals from the renowned McCrary Sisters (Dylan, Presley) - setting the scene for a rollercoaster ride of an album, it's clear from the outset that Houston is out to have some fun as he shouts, hollers and generally gives his most electrifying vocal performance of his career to date. Numbers such as "Five Dollars", the funk-infested single "Prices Go Up" and the stomping "Night And Day" showcase Houston's ability to turn out truly infectious songs that demand to be played over and over again whilst his backing band stir up a bluesy whirlwind of thumping drums, pounding bass lines and cacophonous guitar lines to pump the adrenaline levels up even higher. Whilst the over-riding theme is one of praise to God, songs like the title track and the simply stunning "The Voice Of God" portray the Christian faith with gritty realism and typical Houston directness. All in all, this is an exhilarating and unmissable album from a singer/songwriter who never fails to deliver.