Reviewed by Brendan O'Regan

The Brothers, Anthony and Chris Hoisington, attracted attention when recording as Relevant Worship. Now this debut under their own name starts rather daringly with "Tune Up", which is just that, the boys tuning up and messing in the studio. They try our patience for 48 seconds, but then all is forgiven as they launch into the title track with insistent drumbeats, jangling electric guitar, confident vocals and a catchy melody. "I Believe In Hope" has an important message, again married to a fine melody and a chorus very suitable for a worship setting. "You Shine Through" has a nice acoustic rock feel carrying an attractive metaphor - "Through the cracks in all of us/Through the fractures and our dust/ You shine through". A country flavour is introduced with the pedal steel on "From Every Stormy Wind That Blows" and vocals reminiscent of Waylon Jennings. Vinyl crackle is added, I'm not sure why, to the mellow "Come To The Fount", but the laid back approach suits the message as we are urged "Come to the water, to the water/Immerse your soul in love". As is entirely appropriate for songs about the Word, all the lyrics are crystal clear, nowhere more so that on the intimate sounding "Lean Not" and the encouraging "Alive". Theme-wise there's a lot about sin, shame, love and redemption, with all songs firmly rooted in Christ. While it ain't Shakespeare the lyrics are well crafted and one is left with a thoroughly engaging album. . . except for that indulgent intro.

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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