Very few Americans have been as influential on British Christian music in the past decade as Kevin Prosch. An important influence and mentor for Matt Redman and Martin Smith (delirious?), his own passion-drenched records have sold well but never really clicked with this reviewer...the emotion was rather overpowering. Here, teaming up with guitar virtuoso Bryn Haworth, he presents a more relaxed album of stripped down instrumentation and rather accessible emotional outpourings.
Mostly acoustic in nature, this album's strongest point is its texturing. Traditional instruments and excellent guitar playing mix to provide many a poignant moment. Bryn Haworth's slide playing may not be his best, but is certainly more than just appropriate. Lyrics too are well crafted, although not quite as consistent as the music. These lyrics, the first on the album, set the tone well:
I can feel the strength of the melancholy
Whether wild or strange, there's got to be
Some kinda change around here.
I have climbed to the top of the tallest trees
Just to watch you girl
And the stars go sailing by.
In this stripped back setting, Kevin Prosch's vocals--which sometimes irritate--are more enjoyable as their warm earthy side comes through clearly, a good addition to the likewise earthy instruments. Still not quite an album I could praise as much as some seem to praise Kevin Prosch's work, but one which shows a strong partnership that looks set to come together again. I'll look forward to it.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Lighthouse Unsorted 1998Reviewed by Megan HanksAlthough the names Kevin Prosch and Bryn Haworth are probably not familiar to most followers of Christian music, both have been pursued professionally for years. Prosch has declined contract offers with several mainstream labels, including Geffen, Virgin, and Warner Brothers. Haworth's musical genius has given him the opportunity to work with Eric Clapton's band and to write for several other…
