I have always been a very outspoken critic of the corn-fed, watered down, straight-off-the-tractor, comb-in-the-mouth, artistically barren music that is Christian “rock”. As far as I am concerned it has no redeeming artistic or social value, in that it neither inspires people to worship nor to appreciate great music. It is, in my opinion, just one more attempt to make Christianity appeal to younger people by showing them how much “fun” being a Christian can be. Not to mention the restrictions placed on Christian musicians by both the record labels and existing fan base, crushing out all true artistic growth, every spark of originality or individualism — as if being original or different were un-Christian or sinful.

That said, just because someone celebrates their love of a mythological being (God in this instance) by making artistically barren music doesn't necessarily mean they don't have talent, artistic vision or originality, nor does it mean that they are limited to that severely restricted genre. In the case of singer-songwriter Derek Webb - most famous as part of the Christian band Caedmon’s Call - and his equally talented and successful wife Sandra McCracken, that is certainly untrue, as evidenced by the release of their duet EP, Ampersand. It's beyond me why anyone who has enough talent to write music this hauntingly beautiful, touching, and gently passionate would want to confine that talent to the cookie cutter, formulaic music of Christian rock.

Ampersand is the first collaboration from these two deeply personal performers and a true joy to hear. Webb and McCracken's voices perfectly complement each other, harmonising playfully, dancing together in joyous vocal foreplay. McCracken's voice is a mixture of Emmylou Harris and Sean Colvin, rootsy, warbling, and gently, elegantly loving. And Webb's voice is a mixture of buttery smoothness and raw passion, like a good spicy whisky. And the same can be said of their musical styles; McCracken is a bit alt-folk, with country tinges and Webb, alt-country with rock colour. This collaboration sees the best that both these talented artists have to offer, what it doesn't offer are references to religion or Christianity – thank jebus.