"Love Is A Science"

  Their music has been loosely compared to modern bands Travis and Coldplay. They are constantly on the gig circuit, recently playing support to Starflyer59 and Havalina Rail Company. Recorded on Rita Springer's Floodgate Records in conjunction with Velvet Blue Music, "Love Is A Science" is Gold's first major release (their first was an independent) but is by no means a new experience for lead singer/guitarist Todd Gilliland, who also performs as a member of California-based and fellow-Christian band Joy Electric!

  A mini-album featuring six original songs, Gold deliver a tight set of well crafted tunes, moody, catchy and melodic in tone. Unfortunately there is no lyric sheet, though a careful listen reveals spiritual depth and maturity in thought. So while, for example, 'Indiana' foresees hope of a renewed love relationship in that Midwest state, both 'One step closer' and 'Best sides' look forward to the glorious day of Christ's return.

  Guided by gentle guitar rhythms, able programming and harmonious b/v's (with varied help from members of Bleach and Jennifer Knapp's band!), Gold's music truly is as charming as the golden sunset on the album cover. The group's popularity is growing week by week - why not catch them on this fine production!

Review by tom lennie

“We Lavish Our Love ”

  With an incredible 36 albums behind them, it's perhaps not surprising that Christ For The Nations Institute can come up with a live worship venture that is musically slick and highly accomplished, yet at the same time spiritually deep and intimate. Indeed the thoroughly appealing sound here created is every bit as warm and diverse as the splashes of colour that soak the CD booklet's cover / interior.

  Broadly speaking, worship on "We Lavish" comes in two parts; resident vocalist Keith Hulen leading on approximately half the overall set. The first seven tracks make up a vibrant stream of irresistible praise with a big - but not boisterous - Texan sound! These include an intriguing slice of funk-cum-Caribbean praise ('Totally') and guest Roger Hodges singing his own 'You are' (Roger also plays guitar / mandolin throughout, while his producer and drummer Raymond Boyd performs same duties here!).

  The second part sees proceedings slow to a mellow and sensitive flow, one song merging almost seamlessly with the next. Travis Jones' delicate 'Without You' (Consecrated Worship) is featured; so too the emotive and soulful 'Jesus, what a Savior', serving to provoke a sense of deep and reverent awe in the worshipper.

  Sax, flute and gentle strings help guide the worship heavenward while the able CFN 'choir' ensures a full vocal sound where required. Essentially, 'Album 37' comprises 60 minutes of wonderful, heartfelt worship on which we can each join the CFN Praise team in seeking to lavish our love on Jesus. This we do only in the knowledge / experience of Him faithfully and incessantly lavishing His love on us. Praise God!

Review by tom lennie

"draw me after you"

  'There is one place and one place only that our deepest hearts' desires can truly be fulfilled; and that is in Jesus. Not in some religious observance, not in following a set of rules or rituals...but in deep...fellowship with the one and only God'. The heartbeat of this passionate recording - as suggested by the album title, virtually every song heading, and almost every lyric - is the living reality of a deep relationship with Jesus and the constant hunger for a deeper walk still.

  Veteran worship leader Scott Ezzy helps lead us into that place, making use of some fine new songs as a vehicle for drawing near. Initial tracks have a warm and celebratory flow, others are driven by a longing passion, occasionally extending into moments of sensitive, spontaneous adoration. Definite favourites of mine are the yearning cry on Paul Thompson's 'Everything', and the exalting 'Jesus', a beautiful song that almost compels you to worship, sung here by Gina Mansley. Many tracks are drenched in guitar-soaked energy, thanks to Rohan Mansley and Scott himself, while group vocals add richness throughout.

  Not sure that the inclusion of 'Joshua's army' (from a different Scott!) works well here, though it sure carries plenty of vibe! Also, the 'Imperative declaration (It's not just 'cause I can feel it)' must rank as oddest song-title of the year! Song names aside, Dayspring Worship's 'draw me after you' contains some mighty fine music - and makes for an experience well worth checking out.

Review by tom lennie

"When the Music Fades"

  Unadorned, acoustic and artistic. So says the album cover. So too says every track on this charming, 12-song collection. You may not be familiar with the musical trio featured here - though each has added his delicate harmonies to many worship projects over the years, including Spring Harvest's "New Songs", Ireland's "The Mandate" and the recent "New Celts" output. Stuart has also played in Sue Rinaldi's band, while both David and Simon have solo releases to their names.

  Each artist is also a songwriter, so it's a pity that only three original songs are included on this disc (2 - Barbour, 1- Morris). Nevertheless, these three, plus additional tunes - most are recent but already favourites - comprise a truly strong collection, and include 'Once again' (one of Matt Redman's finest), Geraldine Latty's excellent 'Lord I come' - and two newies from the pens of Noel Richards and Owen Hunter. These flowing worship songs are all the more beautiful given the subtle, warm vocals of these seasoned singers (see if you can guess who's voice calls for unavoidable Cliff Richard comparisons!) - while gentle flute and whistle accompaniment adds a slight 'celtic' feel to many tracks.

  Recorded and produced by Barbour, who also provides guitar rhythms, this is a relaxing, uplifting and deeply worshipful expression. An album you'll want to come back to again and again, "When the Music Fades" is more than pleasant and attractive - it's wonderfully compelling!

Review by tom lennie