Reviewed by Paul Knab at Cross Rhythms UK
London-based husband and wife duo The Dawn follow up their debut 'House Of Zion' album with 'Red Red Road'. Defining their sound a little more, they let go of the pop sounds of old and plump for a rock approach with gutsy rock vocals and strong guitar-fronted riffs. You will find touches of '60s psychedelia and '70s glam rock influences particularly on "100" and "Midnight". Alarming police sirens set the album off with "Hail The Great I Am", a catchy rock melody that throws in a few funky bars. This format is evident too on "How Long". The title track takes a more mid paced approach with lyrics speaking of the painful blood stained road that Christ took to the cross. The album takes a bit of a lull with slower paced "Thank U" and "Can't Let Go" with Vince's lead vocals on the latter. The album gradually rocks back up to the final bonus track "Midnight" which totally rocks out. This couple reach out to proclaim Christ through great scripturally based and personal experience lyrics with exciting music taking their worship to another level. A big improvement on their last effort, The Dawn here deliver an impressive rock worship set crying out for radio exposure.
Breaking Of The DawnMonday 26th December 2005
London duo THE DAWN have brought an eclectic mix of styles to their debut album.
Tony Cummings reports for Cross Rhythms
One of the most intriguing independent releases of the year has been the pop, rock and R&B concoction 'House Of Zion' by husband and wife duo The Dawn. Based in Purley, near London, Vince and Sue Hudson trace their musical origins back to 2003 when both were serving in the praise and worship team at their local church. Vince approached Sue about writing a song for a church album. After recording the song "You Called Me" the twosome felt God's call to write more songs together and this in time grew into the formation of The Dawn. The duo's debut album 'House Of Zion' is defiantly eclectic. Said Vince, "Although the newer material that we're currently being blessed with is starting to define us a little more, I'd have to say that there are many styles on the album. We never intended for this album to be so varied, and there are only two songs on this album that we wanted to use from the past. Most of the songs were written during the album recording. We're still in God's blending machine as with regards to The Dawn having a more defined second album, but hey, God's the ultimate producer!"
The Dawn's short time together has produced a lot of concerts. Commented Vince, "The gigs have been fantastic from our point of view. We weren't sure how the Church in general would respond to The Dawn's first album as the sound and style is very mainstream. As I think we mentioned before the 'House Of Zion' is basically an album of testimonies and experiences from our walk so far. We didn't take the approach that other and more established Christian bands have taken; we just didn't feel that a purely Christian scene was what the Lord was calling us to do. Having said that, I wouldn't say we were prepared to be thrown smack bang in to secular venues either, especially not in the centre of London's Leicester Square, Soho and Camden, not that we're complaining you understand. It's been absolutely fantastic and we've already been booked to play at bigger and more established London venues for the beginning of next year. I asked Vince to pinpoint a couple of The Dawn's favourite songs from the project. "Well, the first track, "Jesus", glorifies the name of Jesus and boldly states what we are about right from the start! Screaming out the name of Jesus always gets a few interesting reactions! The song 'Be' would have to be another of our favourites. The Lord calls us to be many things; one of the many lessons we've learnt and experienced the hard way is that there are times and seasons in our lives where we are all so busy being busy and that sometimes the Lord will let us go around the same mountain a few times in order to get our attention. He teaches us in Proverbs 3: 5, to trust in the Lord in all things. The chorus reminds us to let him be the rock in our lives, to trust him with everything and if we follow his voice he will set our pathways straight. It also says in Psalm 46: 10, 'Be still and know that I am God.' This song was birthed from that Scripture."
Already The Dawn are well underway with their plans for a second album. Said Vince, "During the production of the first album there were a few challenging moments, but God has been faithful, as he always is and the test and trials are there to be passed, not to fail. So far we've been blessed by the response we have had and are now focusing on bigger and better opportunities."
The Dawn - House Of Zion
Published Monday 3rd October 2005
Reviewed by Mike Rimmer for Cross Rhythms
Here's a debut album from a husband and wife team from London. Mix and matching musical influences that include a bit of '80s chick rock and a certain funkiness, the results could be described as ambient pop rock with a bit of a groove! Sue and Vince Hudson write songs about their experiences, their faith and their lives with a heart to reach out to the world they left behind when they embraced Christ. Recorded in their home studio, the album is driven by Vince's guitar and Sue's powerful singing, although Vince does sing too! The combination is strong on songs like the declarative "Jesus" and the catchy new wavy "Dressed In White & Glory". They do a good line in catchy songs with memorable choruses and there are songs I want to play again and again but sadly, towards the end of the album, it feels like there's a bit of filler. It's a good start. I'd love to see them live and on CD they can only get better!
COME THE DAWN
London group The Dawn ready debut album.
"A HIGHLY rated new pop rock and worship band The Dawn are currently mastering their debut album 'House Of Zion'. The group, who met at the London International Faith Centre two years ago, are led by female singer Sue Hudson. Sue's husband Vince, guitarist in The Dawn, produced 'House Of Zion', which will be released independently on 18th April."
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