"I sampled this album when it first came out, and thought it was rather strange... I wasn't "turned off" from it, but I didn't immediately HAVE to buy it. A little time went by, and I kept finding myself drawn to the thought of this CD. It sparked some sort of interest, so I went back and purchased it. I was mesmerized. You have to sit and listen to this album all the way through. You can either give it full attention, or you can space out doing something else, it doesn't matter... this is atmospheric euphoria. I have had this album almost ten years now, and I still go back to it quite often and am amazed and entranced. Are you a Christian? Are you not a Christian? It doesn't matter. This is music as an artform, and it is displayed very beautifully and uniquely. You can't compare this to anything else; there is nothing like it. That's something I look for in Christian music. And the reason why most of Christian music sucks is because a lot of it is a rip-off of things the mainstream music industry is doing. Then every once in a while, bands like The Prayer Chain (specifically on "Mercury" and "Antarctica," their other releases broke no new ground or anything), and Poor Old Lu come along and then you realize that every once in a while the Christian music scene can actually put out something worthwhile.
Sun Stoned is the most spiritual (doesn't necessarily have to be in a "religious" way either, I've done drugs to this song, I'm 100% serious) trance-y atmospheric song I've ever heard. Over 8 minutes of psychedelic bliss. No joke. I had never heard guitar playing like this before, and I haven't since. Tim's voice is just so fitting in this song, along with the repetetive yet hypnotizing bassline. When the drums come in... I just can't describe the atmosphere this song creates. The whole album is absolutely phenominal, but this one song by itself is worth more money than you can imagine. Please, please, please get this CD if you like originality in music. You won't regret it."
If you like Fripp/Eno or ambient King Crimson, you will like
Livingstill | Meadville, PA. | 11/05/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Experimental soundscapes with amazingly intriquing lyrics. The drummer is great, very tribal sounding most times. This is a good disc.
Read the other reviews here and take note that everyone has given this disc a 5 star rating!
This music can't really be catagorized easily and to just say it's 'Christian' without further explanation doesn't do it justice. This is art, and what's more it is good art. Matter of fact, it's very good art."
Originality with beauty
Culley J. Parris | Spokane, WA | 07/06/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's hard to take your music somewhere totally new, innovative, and accessibly beautiful and emotionally powerful at the same time. This album suceeds in a way no other album I know of has. It is mature rock that stands head and shoulders above 95% of music born in both the secular and Christian arenas. I often tell people I think the album was too brilliant and original to succeed in the Christian genre. A dissappointment, but, fortunately, someone had the wisdom to take this record through to realease.
10 years after purchasing, I still listen to this record regularly and continue to be impressed and touched with the complex textures.
Thank you to the Prayer Chain for this masterpiece."
A Hidden Gem : Lucky if you've found it
David Griffin | Birmingham, AL United States | 02/24/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Without question, this album is a timeless peice of art. It leaves you completely sedated and real. I don't have any other album like it, and suppose I never will. This was one of the first that got converted to MP3 when the digital age hit, so I could keep it forever.
I warn you that if you purchase it, you might not Love it at first. It grows on you. I would easily consider this album in the top 5 albums of all time in my opinion. It's certainly the most original. It takes risks and leaves you feeling gripped by it's raw emotion and energy.
Labeling it a "Christian" album is a hard task as it does little to provide answers or direction towards following Christ. However, it does succeed on many levels to admit man's weakness and insecurities. This is the part that I enjoy the most about the album. It provides company to your misery in a sense. I find this strangely comforting.
Probably the most admirable point of the entire album (and where it succeeds the most) is the time and space it creates, somewhat reminiscent of Pink Floyd's earlier albums (Meddle, etc..) You'll find points in the album where there may not be a great deal of order but what seems like they are just taking their time to get to a place musically. It demands your ear and mind pay it full respect.
Thanks be to Prayer Chain for this lone Masterpeice I proudly keep a hidden gem and secret.