Reviewed by Stuart Blackburn

Manic Drive is the current vehicle of the Canadian Cavallo brothers who previously recorded as OneCross. Together with the impressive Lucas Wright on bass and dad (Mike) on keys they have produced a real treat for rock fans. This is chiefly riff-driven melodic rock but with considerable edge and versatility. There are occasional hard music moments (eg, on "Wasting Away") but there are also mellower moments too (eg, on the reflective "Tragedy"). Michael's tight guitar work dominates and keys are only used in a measured way to good effect. Lyrically this CD burns deep. Dark themes of isolation and despair are under girded by the reality of the consistency of God. This truly prayerful (but not preachy) scene is set by the lug-crunching "Something More" - a cry for just that. "Wasting Away" laments with Pauline despair "I can't change my evil ways. why do I like it?" The closing track "Alive" is written as the words of the dying Christ: "The blood drains from my broken heart. Is this what you wanted from me?" Explicit here is the hope that is craved elsewhere. Be rocked to your knees.

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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