Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

If you needed evidence that the most creative and interesting Christian music on the planet is being made by independent unsigned acts, then you need look no further than this album. It isn't often that you come across an album where the musical category is absolutely indefinable. I could have put this under funk or jazz perhaps or if Cross Rhythms had an avant garde category, we could place it there. Built around the spiritual and musical vision of Detroit-based Sidney Howard, the act have made a surprise return after their album of 2000, 'The Men In Martian Ice: Anthology'. Clearly Mr Howard is not in any hurry! This is definitely not an easy listen. Lurching as it does from soundscapes to spoken word rants to instrumental passages and audio collages and different musical styles which employ a selection of vocalists to make the vision alive. In other words, it's a musically crazy album which is what I like most about it, full of unexpected twists and turns. It's also one of those albums that gets better with repeated listening as the subtlety of the messages seep through into your consciousness. But then isn't that the whole point of a parable? And this does all have a point and can be summed up as an opposition to the cultural norms that so many people fall into without realising it. The world is not a great place and it's time we woke up to that truth. Sid delights in telling stories that help the enlightened realise the emperor is naked. And he does it in such a cool way! So dive in, enjoy the musical creativity, puzzle over the parables and let the truth take root in your heart.

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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