I was aware of Ian Yates through Elim Sound, but this is the first time I have listened to his solo music It is a 2 part recording, with part 2 to be released in September. Starting with a song of less than a minute, (The Way) it shows me Ian is not afraid of conformity when it comes to recording. It would seem to be a very introverted album, not the praise and worship I would normally associate with him. He moves from reviewing his life so far, the need to grow even closer to God, to walking with God, as on ‘Orange Skies.’ ‘40 Years’ starts off with acoustic guitar, before it moves into an almost spatially haunting soundscape. These sounds compliment the softly sung lyrics, leading you to listen and look at your own life. I love ‘Don’t Leave Me Here.’ I like the guitar start, and when the piano arrives there, maybe, a touch too much reverb. But, it’s still very effective. I also enjoyed how the 1234 strumming gets picked up by the piano. It some respects, it’s a very empty song musically, yet filled by the heartfelt vocals. ‘Without Love I Am Nothing’ is based entirely on 1 Corinthians 13. My initial listen found me liking the first wo minutes. Then, I was waiting for it to develop into fresh lyrics and music, giving the song a more personalised content from the man himself. There’s a more upbeat feel about ‘God You’ve Never Failed Me.’ Musically, the track builds really well, with the drums/percussion only appearing towards the end. With them comes more instruments. Ian’s vocals on “God You’ve never failed me” certainly calls for the crescendo of sound and are very fitting. Previously the drums are either very well hidden or just absent. I did listen carefully throughout and their absence was refreshing. The final track Sit At My Feet’ is sung from God’s point of view. We have been busy, preoccupied etc and Ian sings; “And I know you don’t mean to be far away.” It reminds me of how life gets crowded and we lose sight of God, whether we are doing good things or not. God is saying spend time at my feet. I, simply, love how the music, then, continues without vocals giving the listener time to sit at Gods feet. Ian’s wish for the album is honesty – his and ours. With this collection of songs, he’s got it right for me. 10/10 Noel Donaldson
Never for Nothing 