Reviewed by Lukas Willcocks

I first heard "the Children" at Anaheim Vineyard in July 1993 where they were leading one of the youth conference praise and worship times - it was full of fun with people dancing and even stage diving! I had a chat with Skeddie the guitarist and found out that the band went out with the Vineyard ministry to the poor team and helped with food distribution as well as playing for the street kids in downtown LA. So their hearts are in the right place. The music: if you like U2, Split Level with a bit of industrial and Deliverance-style thrash thrown in - you'll enjoy this album. Marc Rivera plays the bass superbly and leads on vocals. I think there's more potential on the vocal front especially with bvs but the current sound is nice and raw. Jon Bestwick and Skeddie Arizmendi's guitar work is speedy and precise but some effects sound a little bumble bee like! The percussion section could be louder but it's accurate and Timmy Curiel's skill is evident. Lyrically: Marc and his wife wrote most of the words and the album's theme is based around the story of the prodigal son - in this case "Phlubber"! The songs are down to earth and real. "Say You Will" speaks of our need, "I Don't Know Why" has an excellent bass riff and expresses wonder at God's love; "I See" has a South African feel like "La Bamba"; "Love Like You Do" is a cry to God to give us compassion for the lost. The CD has an extra track - a jazz version of the opener "Come Home Phlubber". If you thought Vineyard music was nice soft pop style worship, think again. If you thought Violet Burning were the only alternative Vineyard group, try these guys!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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