Reviewed by Paul Knab

Apparently, this is the only gospel album from the Scottish Borders in the last 10 years. If this is anything to go by, should we be grateful? Recorded at PFL Pro Audio in Berwick-upon-Tweed, singer and guitarist Deni Reid and his band from Galashiels unleash a series of very predicable melodies. Musically, there is nothing outstanding here and if listeners can cope with Deni's gruff and strained voice then some might be moved by the testimony lyrics. With its inevitable build and Scots marching drum beat you just wait for the pipes to come in and of course, they do! The Smokie, "Darling"-influenced "Freedom" is a good pub rocking-style song with the honky tonk piano taking the forefront. But nothing can hide the fact that this is a dated sounding album which is unlikely to be heard beyond Deni's circle of supporters.

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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