Cross Rhythms' EP Review

Posted: August 5, 2009

RATING 7 7 7 7 7 7 7

Reviewed by Graeme Crawford

" This the West Midlands group's debut EP for 12tribe Records, draws heavily on their previous album, with three of the five tracks taken from that record. The other two are an indication of the content of their forthcoming album.

The band may well be sick of hearing it, but there is no getting away from the Coldplay comparisons. Performing piano-drenched moderately paced commercial rock with falsetto vocals is simply asking for those sorts of comparisons to be made. However, Tim Barton's big advantage over Chris Martin is his God-centred, almost worshipful lyrics, which propel the band more into Delirious? territory.

It is claimed that their most recent single "A Thousand Tongues" has received strong reviews and significant radio airplay among the Christian community and it is easy to see why. Drawing on John Wesley's "O, For A Thousand Tongues" as inspiration, the song speaks of a God so wonderful that "a thousand tongues, with a thousand words couldn't speak of all the things you've done." "Light", the other new track, is also strong despite being a step or two below the level attained on "A Thousand Tongues".

The title track shows a rockier, more guitar-led side and is easily the best of the three older tracks on display. The production is excellent for an independent recording, with all the instruments and vocals being clear and distinct though some are flat, especially on "Struggle". But the potential is there. "

Tim Barton // NlighteN