Reviewed by James Lewis

A confusing package with tracks from two NGM artists, 65dBA and Rhythmsworks, on each side of a cassette EP. Issued with two catalogue numbers and varients of the artwork, it's a very strange way of packaging. Both bands were formed out of the ashes of Heartbeat (who I seem to remember were also subjects of some suspect marketing!) and both are aimed at unchurched youth. Each are given five tracks here to show their paces. 65DBA aim straight at contemporary chart material, dance-orientated; on one track they even come on as the EMF you could take home to meet your mother. Their material is fairly well-polished and quite catchy. Not especially my own cup of tea, but not bad guys. Rhythmsworks (they aren't any relation to this mag are they? (No. Ed)) on the other hand sound distinctly dated. Although they try to sound funky their style and riffs are old-hat; especially "Clockin' Up" where they come over like The Beastie Boys circa 1985. Oh dear! If they can update their sound a bit, Rhythmsworks could be quite good. But for the moment, try again.

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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