Reviewed by Tony Cummings

I have to confess that I've not always enthused over the songs of Keith Ayling and his Kato (previously K) band. But this is, to my ears, Keith and co-horts' best ever set of songs (there are six of "em). The lyrics remain swathed in enigma, but now I at least glimpse images I can relate to, like asking God why it is that the worst things seem to happen just when you need Him most ("Into Your Hands") or the perception that spiritual growth is a destiny that's glimpsed in God's heart not ours ("Grow"). Still oblique, still poignant (like the childhood image of "slot machines and childish screams on the haunted swing") but now, at last, I can catch the lightning flashes of the songwriter's illumination. The band too plays delightfully textured pop rock full of unexpected ebbs and flows, one second dark and grungy, the next as delicate as gossamer. Clearly Kato have come of age and I await their Greenbelt set with expectation.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.