Karen Van Helden: Promised Land

By Nick Batt

Move over Dave & Dale, step aside Derek Lind, hold it right there Hillsong, a newish force in Christian music has returned with the release of his third solo album. Nelson based singer/songwriter Karel van Helden's latest album was inspired by a conversation with a friend about Psalm 84. While van Helden's faith is obvious from the very first track, this album is more of a glimpse of what God means to him rather than a sermon to the masses. 'Promised Land' is predominantly an electronica free zone, following a style that is mainly folk-rock. Van Helden is superbly supported by Evan Williams (drums), Geoff Duncan (electric guitar), Phil Hornblow (keyboards), Nick Tipping (bass), with Tania Hunter and Steve Hussey providing backing vocals. The album was recorded at Vision Studios and was produced by Hornblow and van Helden. Overall the album makes a refreshing change from the cheesy dross that seems to be so prevalent in a lot of today's Christian music. Van Helden is certainly a talent worth checking out.

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NZ Musician

February/March 2003