Mick Rowe is perhaps best known in CCM circles as a founding member of '80s Christian metal band Tempest and also as the brother of Jamie Rowe of Guardian fame. Rowe spent much of the '90s involved in several musical projects including Midnight Orchestra, a Goth/Ambient outfit and Goliath, a heavy metal band that recalls Ozzy-era Sabbath! With this background in mind, Summertime will shock you with its subtle touches and atmospheric vibe, without sacrificing an iota of Rowe's deft skill with a guitar. Somehow, one senses that Summertime is not really preaching to the converted, the sleeve even declares matter-of-factly:
Contains songs about God - Love - Happiness" Excellent!
Rowe takes this further by throwing in a cover of Simple Minds' "Don't You Forget About Me," now, how un-PC is that? Songs like the pulsating "Please Save Me," the fragile "Pray," and the driving "By Your Side" will appeal to modern rock lovers, whatever your faith, or lack of.
3.5 tocks
