Reviewed by Tony Cummings

In my book Max Pagnam is a hugely underrated talent and this magnificent set of summery, lilting pop songs is an understated masterpiece. Probably best known to Cross Rhythms readers for his occasional appearances on World Wide Message Tribe albums in recent years Max has made a crust as part of a top rate Beatles tribute band. And certainly any Paul McCartney fan who hears a performance like "Reorganised" here will be stunned at Max's ability to capture the essence of the superstar's singing style. But this album is far, far more than a warm wallow in the sounds of the '60s. Many of Max's songs, like the acoustic "Sunshine" and the poignantly haunting "Armchair, elegantly capture the enigma of a divine presence who haunts us. Even when the production is a full scale retro pop sound, like on the wistful "This Is The Day", the effect is magical. On the sleeve Max writes, "These songs were written and recorded between 2000 and 2003 amid some soaring highs and heartbreaking lows, the constant presence of God has been our saving grace through all this." In his songs Jesus is never name-checked but he's in every lilting note.

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