Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Ever since the classic “Unconditional Love” single by Dissident Prophet arrived on the mat at Cross Rhythms Towers we’ve recognised Andy Jennings as one of the most gifted and impassioned singers and songwriters in British rock. So we’re delighted to report that this new aggregation have the same way with memorable hooks and abrasively unsettling lyrics as the original ensemble. In fact if anything The Maccabees have added a new barrel load of righteous anger to their deceptively melodic tunes with lyrics taking savage swipes at a bloated feelgood generation, a perverted materialistic culture and above all a church asleep at the wheel. Throughout, the lyrics are what dominate though sometimes you’ll need the CD booklet to ponder them over the rough and raw guitars. Check out the title track, “We’re all stupid, but that’s alright/We never did have no spine/We sell the truth to buy a lie/And fill our 21st century minds.” Now there’s a lyric that would never get recorded in Nashville.

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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