Patrick Andrew isn't a new face in Christian music. If anyone had the privilege to be a frequent listener of Christian pop and rock during the nineties, it's a good chance you've heard, if not were a big fan of, PFR. Patrick offered his bass talents to the Minnesota-bred trio and helped lead the group through an impressive run. Three years after the band had reunited for another project (only to disband for a second time), Patrick has pieced together his very first solo venture.

There And Then It's Gone is a deep look into the triumphs and trials of Andrew's journey through life as a Christian. The brutally honest and bittersweet "Just Begun" opens the record on a somber note, as Andrew realizes disappointment and complacency in life. The song quickly shifts moods and tone to an upbeat acoustic guitar followed by an aggressive electric guitar riff and a declaration from Andrew that he will persevere. While tragedy and pain show up often on There And Then It's Gone, hope in Jesus and victory permeates throughout the album.

Musically, Patrick Andrew breaks out of the PFR box, finding his own identity. The honest lyrics and diverse musical styles keep the album fresh and unique. Andrew shifts often from acoustic pop with an occasional rock glaze to storytelling and composition that would be a delight to artists like Rich Mullins. The only drawback to There And Then... is it may be too diverse at times. But while some may find the themes a little heavy and thick to chew on, others will find comfort and encouragement through Andrew's sheer ability to press on in the hard times. This is ever present in his heart-breaking ballad "Goodbye," a song he wrote after losing a daughter through a miscarriage.

Patrick Andrew has created a musical and artistic identity with his debut There And Then It's Gone. The album is a personal and transparent journey through one man's heart that serves as a reminder to the world and himself that we're not alone in trials and God will always be right there.

- Review date: 05/18/04, written by John DiBiase