Malcolm Evans is the English counterpart to Australian band Midnight Oil -- he mixes locally flavored political and social commentary with a selection of songs devoted to the celebration of Christ. "My Way" is the biggest standout, employing acoustic guitar technique very much like that of Alan Parsons Project.
"The Night We Stopped the Train" recaps an event in English history, a protest that was held in 1926. Oddly, it holds the same rhythms as "Schoolhouse Rock" songs from the '70's. "NIMBY" is another fight against city hall, the tale of the British government using eminent domain to propose an airport on supposedly protected land.
"Grace" and "You'll Always Be There for Me" are mainly repetitious praise and worship tunes, while "Always" is in the same vein, but rises to a higher level than the other two. "Nine Ladies of Stanton Moor" provides a backdrop to the fight to preserve old England in the wake of economic growth.
Evans is a socially conscious singer, and in some ways recalls the folkie protest singers of the '60's, while retaining an Irish flair lyrically. His vocals are adequate, but nothing particularly special. Dream is an album that is almost more fun to read than to hear.
