Reviewed by Tim Holden

As the recent Cross Rhythms article told you, Houston's Royal Tailor are one of the hottest new acts to emerge in US CCM for some time. Able to integrate a wide range of styles from R&B to pop to rock, the band make radio-friendly music of exceptional quality. The album might start quietly but do not be fooled as "Death Of Me" - looking at salvation and the changes it brings - quickly ramps up into a full on power pop song. The lyrics are well written with some great hooks, clever wordplay and are often very thought-provoking. "Control" particularly stands out with some memorable hooks and a bit of rap thrown into a quick fire look at how pop culture tries to take control and turns the tables by using lots of references to current pop songs and artists (including Lady Gaga) to make its point. With a great balance between the full on and the slower ballads, the production by Aaron Lindsey, Chuck Butler and Daniel Kinner is excellent throughout. There is some heavy use of effects to make the vocals fit beautifully into the soundscape but it never swamps them and the powerful words cut through clearly at all times. A welcome antidote for those who think that pop today is solely fixated with banal hedonism, 'Black & White' stands up well against most of what the mainstream has to offer.

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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Royal Tailor are a creative, high-energy band that are passionate about using their music-based ministry to reach a generation of students suffering from the symptoms of a visionless life. Royal Tailor want to expose them to the realities of who they can become in Christ.

The four-member band, made up of Tauren (lead singer), DJ (guitar), Blake (bass) and Jarrod (drums) met while in school in Indianapolis many years ago. The band began to hone their sound while playing for churches and youth groups. In just under two years, Royal Tailor had performed more than 300 shows as an independent band.

Through their energetic, highly-entertaining live show the band attracted audiences while Tauren engaged them with his purposeful approach to sharing his faith and compelling explanation of who we can become in Christ.

With a contagious blend of pop, R&B, hiphop and rock, Royal Tailor combine hooks, melodies and rhythms reminiscent of such artists as Bruno Mars, Maroon 5 – and even Michael Jackson.