Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Why Friday is a hugely successful youth event held in Newcastle City Hall and this is the fourpiece houseband that have finally released a debut CD (their previous cassette sold out!). The band's mission spreads way beyond the event itself as they seek to inspire young people to seek God and experience revival. 11 self-penned tunes recorded with the help of Neil Costello and sounding fresh and hot. It's hard for any current guitar-based worship band to avoid the shadow of Delirious? but Yfriday manage mainly to create a sound all of their own (if anything, Tree is their nearest equivalent) and this album has much to get excited about. From the opening enthusiasm of "Shine" ( the middle bit actually reminds me of Simple Minds!) and "Holy Holy Holy" things slow a bit for "Closer" and the chance to reflect on the band's talents. In singer/guitarist Ken Riley and keyboardist Gav Richards, there's enough jangly , spangly life to maintain interest throughout the project and in bassist Ben Culkin and drummer Dez Minto enough muscle and vibe to keep this set of songs pulsating. Going beyond the Britpop influences, this sounds nicely contemporary and will appeal to those who have been touched by the intimacy of Soul Survivor style worship. Songs like "Here", Thank You For The Cross" and  "Greatest" capture the spirit of this generation of worshippers while the anthemic "All Over The World" and "If" focus outwards to see God moving in revival. Inspiring stuff. The vibe of the short title cut and the focus of  "Calling Out" both point forwards to wider possibilities for this band to stretch out in their worship. This is a very good introduction to a band who deserve wider recognition.

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