One Hundred Hours are now arguably the busiest band in the UK Christian rock scene but they have managed to squeeze time into a crazy schedule to release ‘Stronger than my heart’ – their latest offering of power soaked, earthy rock worship. And as the first power chord fades in I am already convinced that the next 40 minutes won’t be disappointing …

A few seconds into track 1, 'King of Every Heart' and I am already picturing Tre Sheppard grasping his guitar with white knuckles. As the band launch in, with all the subtlety of an angry bullock in an IKEA© warehouse, the listener suddenly becomes aware that this is the sound of ‘truth concentrate’; jammed out and spread thickly onto each and every CD!

The album really takes off with 'You are the One'; a tender and realistic song of community centred worship. Tre, growling on our behalf, sings of ‘waiting…with our hearts and with our plans’ a startlingly honest lyric asking God’s blessing upon the human designs we put in place for ourselves. If only every worship song could articulate and touch my heart as this does.

The string section on 'All of Me' provides a necessary breath of musical fresh air but with 'River Wide' the band have obviously decided that’s enough sonic siesta for now, kicking straight back into the old, four-to-the-floor song style we’ve become accustomed to on Cardiphonia.

If ever a rally cry was captured in one line it would have to be in 'Light it Up'; ‘Love burn up our apathy’, a song written to stir people into action, particularly with regard to the AIDS epidemic in South Africa (for more info go to www.engagehivaids.com). As we slip gently into the opening strains of 'One Day' we are treated to an optimistic and majestic gospel song; the highlight of the album for me. The beautiful descending harmonies steal the listener away. I was left wanting more; if only the song was longer.

If I am completely honest before this album I have never been sold-out on One Hundred Hours’ music, although I have been consistently blown away by the ethos and humility lived out by the band. However, 'Stronger than my Heart' has provided my ears with timely refreshment where other similar offerings can be distinctly average.

In a world where we enjoy blurring the edges of objective truth One Hundred Hours are doing their utmost to damage our eardrums; screaming praise to the One True God, ‘til the bullocks come home!

Matt L