"Grasping for Hope in the Darkness" is the new offering from Critical Mass. This is the first CD since the band reorganized last year and it goes further in the direction that speaks to many of our youth - rock! It couldn't happen at a better time for Catholic music. The black and white line drawings on the CD insert are masterfully done and make a poignant statement about the struggles that youth face in the spiritual battle for their souls. The band enlisted the production skills of Andy Horrocks who is a premier Christian music producer in Eastern Canada. The album opens with a great remake of a classic song from Kansas, Carry On Wayward Son, with a rap bridge and scratching. The song Reverend Larebil has a powerful soaring chorus with fabulous hard and searing guitar work. It is sure to get play listed on Christian stations across the country and into the US. The vocals are bright and up front. The lyrics are clear and the message does not get lost. These are David Wang's best recorded performances to date. The background vocals are tight and punchy. The last four songs on the CD turn from criticism of our culture to high powered praise and worship which draw us into a relationship with Him who gives us strength to change our culture.

Dave MacDonald