Reviewed by Brendan O'Regan

Frontman of this London-based folk pop band is Will Jackson, who with Tim Hughes helped to set up Worship Central. Not that there's anything congregational worship about these songs. MGMW are making music for the unchurched, and rather good at it they are too. The melodies are catchy, the mood upbeat, the vocals clear, the instrumental work subtle and effective, with good production enhancing the project throughout. Right from the start the tone is chilled and mellow, and indeed the opening lyrics of the song "Joy" are typical of the positive human values that infuse the album - "I've found that joy in this life has a lot to do with those we walk beside." "Where Will It Go" explores the motif of lovers carving their names in a tree. Without being too taxing on our poor brains songs like "Fading Skies", for example, don't always yield up their meaning immediately and so repeated listening and reflection on the imagery can be rewarding. "Mango Tea" picks up the tempo with a little country flavour even though London is the setting. "Drive Slow" is a love song to finish, with a touching sentiment "please let your forever rest in mine." Offering suggestions for improvement, I'd like to see a bit more muscle and depth in the songwriting and more soul and confidence in the lead vocals.

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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