Reviewed by Tim Walker

Since profiling an early Why? line-up in CR, I haven't kept up too well with the Somerset combo, so the evolution in their sound since their early days came as a surprise to this writer. It's still recognisably the same band - wacky lyrics, 1OOmph tempos and West Country accents - whilst substituting the multiple instruments of Jamie Hill for the band's Spinal Tap-like succession of fiddlers. Throw the Electrics into a jam with the Bonzo Dog Band and the Wurzels, and this could conceivably be the ensuing communal album. Why? boasts a prize songsmith in frontman Ant Parker, whose gift for superficially serious lyrics with a whimsical twist (such the moving portrait of a fracturing relationship, "The Ballad Of Bark And Kitty") is all too rare in late '90s CCM. I imagine this quartet remains the dynamite live act of old, judging by the evidence of this CD - a worthwhile purchase for roots -orientated CCM fans not prone to take life that seriously...

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.