Reviewed by Andrew Townend

American pastor, professor, author and singer/songwriter, Michael Anthony Milton, returns with his second collection of self-penned, thought-provoking and imagination-leading songs. With a vast array of musicians to complement Prof Milton's deft take on Americana the sound is fresh on the ears and there is engaging storytelling within each song - for example, in "Pastor's Wife", he thanks his spouse for putting up with all the baggage that comes with his line of work ("Others see a pastor; a prophet; a priest, but you see your husband, a dad"). The record reels you in right from the start, beginning with the Fields Of Gold-esque "Carolina Free" and towards the end there is "No Response At All" which is a moving song dedicated to parents of children with disabilities, inspired by Michael's deaf daughter ("When Jesus comes you know that I'll rejoice/For then I'll hear the sound of daddy's voice"). Other highlights include the stunningly strummed "Follow Your Call", a track which showcases the superb guitar work and "Christ Is Risen", a passionate number based on a snippet from The Book Of Common Prayer, with a tune that sounds like it could have come straight out of the Divine Comedy's back catalogue. A fine album.

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