Rock
There was a time in music when to show public contempt for religion was considered the height of social irreverence, something only the truly audacious artists would dare; The Beatles' claim that they were bigger than Jesus probably did more for their PR than any of Lennon's 'artsy' album covers, the Altamont riots kick-started over the opening chords to the Stones' 'Sympathy For The Devil' and let's not forget Alan Partridge's reference to Sinead, “bald chap who ripped up a picture of the Pope” O'Connor. However, now amongst the litter of teeny-bopping devil horns and faux gothic-inspired crucifix poses, it would probably be deemed more alternative to write a pro-God song; somewhere, an alt. rock Cliff Richard revival is looming...
Jumping on an already over-crowded bandwagon, Scottish rockers Alfonzo channel the shopping list ranting of Dylan's 'Subterranean Homesick Blues' over a jaunty rockabilly riff, as the lead singer spits venomously facetious lines about soldiers fighting for 'Queen and country' for when, “God decides to care.” An intermittent tinkling blues piano keeps the mood light and hints that although these God-bashing boys are invoking the Almighty, they are clearly not taking themselves too seriously. A blistering solo after the middle-eight completes what is essentially four minutes of fun, frolics and frivolity at the expense of the big guy upstairs; yet somehow it is doubtful that He will banish them to Hell for their musical sins, as it is clear that their tongues are firmly placed in their cheeks...they will probably just spend eternity in purgatory as Cliff Richard's backing band.