Two years on from the release of his critically acclaimed debut solo album Circles, Haydon Spenceley returns with his new album Heart Strings. Brimming with confidence, passion and soul, Heart Strings showcases an artist at the peak of his wildly creative form. From the pop-rock bombast of the opening title track, through the twists and turns of this, the quintessential British indie rock album, all the way to epic closer, Masterplan, this is an album with integrity and passion in spades. Co-produced and mixed by Harun Kotch and Ross Gill (Replenish) and mastered by Nigel Palmer, Heart Strings is a startling statement of intent as one decade ends and another begins.

Released on bright new independent Knuci Records, Heart Strings is the culmination of two years of writing and recording for former Freeslave frontman Haydon, building on the electronica-tinged pop of his debut solo album and adding to it a satisfyingly-gritty rock sheen. Having been credited with “showing us the way forward for alternative Christian Music.” (Louder Than The Music) with his last release, Haydon and his band have wasted no time in pushing the boundaries of his sound and lyrical focus. So, we get the all-out rock of Lay it Down, sandwiched between the groove-based electronica of Lost My Heart and the anthemic King of Glory. Elsewhere, Hiding Place and Save My Day are rocking songs of hope and faith, while the beautiful Crying offers an alternative perspective on injustice, violence and terrorism, poignant in these difficult times.

With an ambitiously eclectic sound, and a lyrical honesty and integrity not often apparent in 2010, Heart Strings continues Haydon's journey as he writes and records music “markedly different from the usual CCM fayre” (Never for Nothing). Long may it continue!