Gospel-rock is beginning to find its feet in the upper rock leagues. The game's a bit faster here and you've got to be able to give and take a bit of the rough stuff if you want to survive. Jars Of Clay are four, clean-living and faith-full young men who's soft-rock harmonies and tunes have gained them some hefty mainstream, er, crossover appeal.

Their music is similar to that of the Bee Gees except with lower voices. They utilise acoustic instruments and soft arrangements to accompany the sweet lyrics that sound like your run of the mill love song until a deeper peek at the words finds a strong gospel base to these songs. The titles and lyrics are generally laid-back and innocuous, songs like 'Overjoyed', 'Crazy Times', 'Tea And Sympathy' and the last track 'Hymn', which seems appropriate on this album. The obviously biblical reference of the band's name is not apparent to me, but I've got a feeling that if you do happen to know what it is, then you should try and lay your hands on this album.

Stephen "Sugar" Segerman

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