Reverend And The Makers - A French Kiss In The Chaos (Wall Of Sound) Jon McClure is not a man to shy away from controversy and criticism. And he's a man willing to not only shout or sing about what he sees as injustice, but to turn these words into actions. As such, he's earned some big props for the recent decision to give away anti-fascism song 'Manifesto/People Shapers' as a free download in protest against the BNP's recent success in the European elections. It's a fine song too, and as part of an album fraught with politics and social commentary, it's a dark and eerie five minutes to haunt and reflect amongst heightened liberal attacks soundtracked by the clash of guitar and keyboard. 'A French Kiss In The Chaos' is a work more effervescent than the band's debut, with visits to the funfair and Sly And The Family Stone's back catalogue along the way, as McClure attempts to make the music as immersive as the lyrics. It can't help but be compared to his other project, Mongrel, though, and the greater diversity and exploration in ethnic and urban beats of that band is sorely missed, as are the rap stylings of Lowkey to compensate for McClure's dry tones. This album is better than the debut surely, but it may be worth holding out for the next Mongrel record. TM Review originally published by CMU Music Network www.cmumusicnetwork.co.uk Next