Reviewed by Tim Goodall

Attempting to pigeon hole As If has always been notoriously difficult, and that is no different with this, their fifth studio album and first for three years. The ambient-techno-rock-pop has been given a new tinge by C.O.A.H.'s rapping and the exquisite vocal contribution of Danni James. This is an album that takes you all over the place, never allowing you to rest as you listen. Some of the songs are remixed and re-worked tracks from James', C.O.A.H.'s or As If's older albums, but don't let that put you off, the listener is not getting a re-hashed attempt at old songs, but a thoughtful arrangement of songs which will please old fans and new. Lyrically, As If deal with the realities of being human in the 21st century attempting to live for God, with some taken from the Psalms, and others addressing the Facebook phenomenon. If anything can be levelled against it, then it is that there is little consistency throughout the record, giving it a somewhat disjointed feeling. Having said that, this is an album that gets better with every listen. There are few in the UK Christian music world who are attempting more creative music-making than As If.

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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