Reviewed by Paul Poulton

The intro begins with descending intervals typical of a smart gospel music band on top of their game. Electric guitar not unlike the Isley Brothers' famous sound moves us into the first song, "Great Day". It is tense while remaining fairly central gospel music, a nice mixture from the minister of music of the Mt Ephraim Baptist Church, Maryland. The band kick and pack a powerful punch, it's tight, neat and melodic instrumentation, the bass player likes the odd bit of slapping, which of course pushes the music back a few years, but nevertheless it sits well with me. What Phillip and his choir Sounds Of Victory are particularly good at is extending the refrain of a song or as Philip calls it "the vamp", and making it work; subtle changes keep the attentive listener engaged. Big live sounds with a big choir vamping along can be wearing to the inattentive listener who may suddenly exclaim, "What's all that clatter". But that's not me. Stay with it and pay attention and this is most enjoyable. "I Have A Right To Eternal Life" is sung in a boisterous energetic way, though the lyric may seem a touch edgy for the traditional gospel music lover, but fear not there are plenty of lyrics full of buzz words/phrases like saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost to even things out.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.