Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

After their '82 debut, these pioneering rock evangelists returned to the studio in 1983 to make a follow up with John Pantry and a young Chris Norton handling the production. The results are the band's usual blend of new wave rock and pop and a desire to touch on subjects that other bands didn't touch at the time! The impact of video nasties or the mess of divorce are both treated here and at the other extreme, "Man In My Room" is a song about the Holy Spirit. The opening cut "Jack" was always a stage favourite although it was only recently that I discovered that singer Kev Smith hated the song. "Stand Up" and "Never Say Die" are both anthemic rabble rousing songs to stir the Church. Listening 25 years later, the '80s production does sound a little dated and clunky here and there. However two things that shine through are the songwriting of drummer Fran Johnson and the crisp guitar playing of Kelvin Allwood. Johnson has a way with creating haunting and emotive songs like "2 Out Of 7" and "Man In My Room". The Predators were always a great live band and of the three albums they left behind, this is probably the best. If you haven't got the (increasingly scarce) vinyl, start searching.

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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