Reviewed by Paul S Ganney

This set is the fourth album by the loose knit Canadian aggregation fronted by singer/songwriter Sean Croley. It's atmospherically produced and starts with what sounds like a sermon over backing music. It's an odd choice of opener but somehow it works. The Weak Need's music often follows a mild prog-rock vein a la Anathema, with Police-like guitars (including the sub-reggae riffing of "Not Your Hands"), some late '60s-esque vocals and '90s keyboard riffs (although the one in "Calling God" reminded me more of latter-day After The Fire). Lyrically it's spiritually overt (even without the opening sermon) and the songs are well crafted, with sympathetic arrangements. A good example of this is "I Know When Your Heart Bleeds" which builds impressively throughout the track. The album settles into its mood after a couple of tracks and from here on you should just let it run. If they'd blended each track into the next (like the Moody Blues used to do) you'd probably just treat it as one solid piece of music, it's that consistent, with glorious musicianship, beautifully blended soundscapes and lifting choruses. Play it and dream of summer. Even the Motown feel to "Whisper Always" fits the mood - especially when it hits the chorus. The standout for me was "Let Me Breathe" but throughout there are numerous demonstrations of the power and inventiveness of Mr Croley.

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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