Combining an ear for Nick Drake's arrangements with a vocal style hinting at Richard Thompson, this British singer- songwriter has succeeded in skilfully remodelling Wesley's finest words against the backdrop of completely new song structures. In the midst of these contemporary re-workings you'll find layers of acoustic grunge stylings and new- folk influences, evident on O For A Heart and What Can Wash Away My Sin, the latter notable for it's soaring chorus. Both these tracks share the common purpose of re-energising dusty 18th Century hymns, as hinted by the EP's title. For my money, the standout songs are those of a more reflective vein; My Hope is Built on Nothing Less features some stunning swathes of cello, a perfect complement to those evocative Thompsonesque vocals. For listeners wary of committing to the full EP, I'd suggest that it's an excellent place to begin. In summary, a distinctive take on reframing ancient spiritual truths, New Skin combines all the strengths of contemporary production with the rich traditions of English folk, together with gentle hints of Americana. Recommended.



Cross Rhythms Editorial Review by Mark Lawrence

Recent years have seen a revival in worship circles of old hymns. Songwriters such as Matt Redman, Tim Hughes and Chris Tomlin have all reworked classic hymns and given them a contemporary sound, with varying degrees of success. On this, his debut release, singer/songwriter Francis Blight has attempted a similar feat, taking five old hymns, including "What Can Wash Away My Sin" and "Am I A Soldier Of The Cross", and giving them a fresh, edgy melody. Francis should be commended for his efforts, because on standout tracks "My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less" and "Let Earth And Heaven Combine" the concept really works. "My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less" in particular, with its mellow acoustic sound underpinned by the cello, works really well. 'New Skin For Old Song' has a well produced sound that is only let down slightly by Francis Blight's rather ordinary vocals which borders on the out-of-tune on the album closer "We Believe In The Church". Overall though, with a nod to the likes of Tom McRae and Unbelievable Truth, this is a decent EP that brings a fresh, somewhat melancholic sound to some timeless hymns. Cross Rhythms Rating: 7/10