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Open - 'the best album of it's genre from the UK'

"Open"

North of England worship group YFriday began causing quite a stir in Britain with the release of their debut album "Rainmaker" in 1999. This anticipated follow-up has a more rounded feel than it's rawer-edged predecessor - and with stirring hook-lines that are wonderfully infectious, the band purvey an accessible pop-rock sound that truly rocks'n'rolls!
Lead vocalist Ken Riley wrote all songs, unleashing them here with a gutsy passion. So follows the captivating punch of tunes like 'Creator', 'At the cross' and 'Head over heels', which reveals a sound similar to the delightful pop-frenzy of All Star United. Tracks like 'Praise', with it's evocative syths, and the vibey 'Joy' continue in a quirky vein, the latter ably displaying Ken's vocal range. Then there's the exalting 'Glory', a stirring anthem of worship, as is also the flowing 'Shelter'; while the acoustic-based 'I love you' and 'Carry me' are deeply sensitive ballads, spiritually poignant both.
There's no question that YFriday are as talented as any of the rock-worship bands currently in vogue - perhaps most comparable to the melodic praise-tones of MercyMe - and in my opinion this is the best album of it's genre to emerge within the UK. The band's popularity is growing week-by-week, as can be readily seen from their increasingly busy touring
schedule. Given the strength of "Open", it not hard to see why!

Review by tom lennie