Reviewed by Peter Ould

You should know a number of things about me before we begin. Firstly, instrumental albums tend not to fill me with a sense of joy. Secondly, I have never really liked the kind of solo guitar and keyboard work that made prog rock what is was in the '70s. I repent. This is an awesome recording by the Iona keyboard and guitarist Dave Bainbridge. The title track has hints of the Michael W Smith 'Freedom' album but that whole album is a mix of folk, Celtic and the more rock-based music that we also get from the whole Iona line up. Of particular note is the fine guitar work on "The Seen And The Unseen", Mae McKenna's spine-chilling vocals of "Chanting Waves" and the epic "The Everlasting Hills" (a whole 20 minutes long). And just when you're getting relaxed, Dutch percussionist Frank van Essen lays down some awesome grooves on "The Homeward Race" to accompany a fantastic piece by Dave. What else is left to say? This album left me breathless and totally changed my opinion of the genre. More power to you Dave!!

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