Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

In 1979, the two bands at the forefront of the UK Christian punk scene were Ishmael United and the Bill Mason Band. Ishmael, as I am sure you know, went on to become a pioneer of kids' worship. And Bill Mason? Rumour had it that he went off to America to join a cult but here he is more than 20 years later releasing a children's live worship album recorded in Grace Baptist Church in Pennsylvania. Still at it when so many others have fallen by the wayside. Perhaps there should be a new adage that old Christian punks never die, they just become children's worship leaders. In a scene where the majority of kids' albums are badly recorded with cheesy songs, Captain Bill does a brilliant job of creating songs that capture the kids' imaginations and help them worship God. Fun is the big thing here and everyone is clearly enjoying themselves on things like "Bounce" and the amazing "Gimme Some Of Dat" which gets faster and faster perhaps betraying his punk roots! But it isn't all leaping about, there are children giving Bible readings and some lovely moments of worship on "It Could Have Been Me" and "I Lift You Up". Captain Bill has created that rarity - a cringe free kids praise album! Worth seeking out if you want an album to play for your kids in your car but which won't drive you nuts. At this rate, 2020 should see the release of the One Bad Pig Kids Praise album.

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