Children 18:3 - Rain's a Comin' review

Children 18:3's punk music originates from the confines of Morris, Minnesota. The band's name gives reference to Matthew 18:3 ' And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven".' Comprised of siblings David, Lee Marie and Seth Hostetter, Children 18:3 had it's origins as a ska band during the late '90's.  Seth handles the drum kit, David does double duty as lead vocalist and guitarist, bass player Lee Marie adds her amazing lead and background vocals.

The second of two independant EP's drew the attention of Brandon Ebel who signed the band to his Tooth & Nail label. Their self-titled debut with T&N in 2008, was a hit with listeners who enjoyed the distinctive sound of the band. Genre defying influences such as punk, pop, ska, rock, and even '70's new wave, make up the band's signature sound.

The second release by Children 18:3, Rain's a Comin', continues in the same tradition. With a total length of 33 min for 12 songs the listener knows they are in for a fast ride. The title track starts the ride with a very short song that builds the momentum for the album. "Cover Your Eyes" speaks of the ‫impotence of self-reliance. Track three, "The Cruel One" provides a musical journey through the 1966 film, 101 Dalmatians, featuring Lee Marie's soaring, Blondie-like, “oh-oh-ohs” vocals. "Whispering" is one of two instrumental tracks, the almost stoner rock flavour makes this song easy to skip over. "Hey Driftwood (Tides)" brings the album down to a fun pop sound.

A fathers commitment and love for his childhood daughter and her experience at a talent show shines through on "Bravo".  It features Lee Marie at the wheel for this song:

"Running off the stage with bitter tears of shame
Close my eyes and tried so hard to make it go away
I just want to go home and tell my teddy bear "I failed, I failed!"
I turned around the corner just to hear my daddy say
Oh bravo, you're the best, you're my only one
Oh bravo, that will always be enough
Look at me, your song was beautiful, beautiful
Even if nobody ever knows
Bravo"

The lightest track on the CD is the acoustic ballad "Oh, Honestly" providing lyrics describing our failure to reach out and move forward when trials appear. "Wonder I" leads the listener into a vocal duel between David and Lee Marie as the lyrics speak of faith:

"Wonder, wonder IIf I stood on your shoulders, could I touch the sky?When will you die?Where will you go?Wonder, wonder I"

A hard rock intro leads in to the aptly titled "Stronger" with angst ridden lyrics and a raw vocal delivery.  Children 18:3's lyrics have progressed and matured since their first, self-titled, release.  This transition is evidenced in "Jack 'O' Lantern Dreams":

"Only if you can remember the endingCan we then work back toward the start". 

"Lost So Long" includes every Christ followers wish:

"Close your eyes, baby sleepFloat across the gentle seaEvery cloud turning greyHolds the promises of rain coming".

The oddest inclusion on this album has to be the final track, the instrumental "The Last Laugh" which sounds like a player piano ditty from a silent movie with the band members laughter in the background.

Children 18:3 has no contemporaries in the Christian music realm, this band stands out with it's own unique style.  While not for everyone, this band's delivery of music is earnest and heartfelt.  Remember, if you don't like the sound, punk music songs are short, so bear with it.

Click here for songs by Children 18:3