Discography
Here Comes The Rust (2003)
Live @CBGB's (2002)
So Close...Yet So Far (1998)
Antarctica (1996)
Mercury (1995)  
The Shawl (1993)
Whirlpool (1992)
Neverland Sessions (1991)

 

Album Review

Just as they took an axe to the sunny pop of Whirlpool with Shawl, the Prayer Chain here seek distance from their second album by offering their most expertly conceived record. Where Shawl wanted to be an important record, Mercury actually is one, a haunting study in numbness that appropriates planetary imagery as a potent metaphor for human isolation. Eric Campuzano's lyrics, so labored and awkward in the past, are perfectly suited to Mercury's languid, chilly atmosphere. As they did on Shawl, the Prayer Chain slam the door on bandwagoneers with the opening track. "Humb" is a rolling, blown-speaker psalm that buries Tim Taber's voice beneath layers of echo and shoves Campuzano's bass so far forward in the mix it bludgeons all other instruments. Though the band quickly redirects with the scorching "Waterdogs," they have accomplished their purpose of mercilessly unseating the listener within the album's first 30 seconds. The rest of Mercury is characterized by willfully creeping tempos, shadowy, snaking guitar lines, and Tim Taber's drained, emotionless vocals. The record feels like a horror film. There is an intangible menace to songs like "Grylliade" and "Creole" that deepens when Taber sings stark prophecies like, "All the old ghosts will let you know just how far gone you are." As with all masterworks, Mercury was rejected by horrified record executives who could not wrap their heads around what it was the Prayer Chain were trying to do. Its release was delayed for months as the band was forced to remix, remaster, and re-record until the label felt satisfied. Inside reports hold that the initial version of Mercury was even more unnerving than the final one, bordering at times on being thoroughly unlistenable. Pity it will never see the light of day. ~ J. Edward Keyes

By almost any standards, "Mercury" stands as a towering artistic achievement that few bands have accomplished. Recorded during a time of high tension and confusion within the band, they were still able to create a work of fierce beauty that utilized band talents in greater synthesis than any of their previous works. Andrew Prickett's guitars took a decidedly ambient turn, Eric Campuzano's bass became more eloquent, and the vocals and percussion both took on deeper subtleties than on their previous album. This band was something of an oddity within the Christian alternative scene because of their willingness to explore different worldviews and perspectives, but it resulted in moments that are challenging regardless of a listener's perspective. The descent into death described by "Creole" is not in any way soothing, but rather a frightening and chaotic soundscape; such exploration is scarce within the Christian alt-rock mainstream. Moreover, their usage of vocal drones to create suspended ambience in the opener, "Humb," was years ahead of its time. It is regretful that the band wasn't able to stay together longer, but their work resonates not simply as good religious music, but exceptional and brave music by any standard.  ~ Andrew Thomas
 

I lack words to describe this album. It is such an experience to listen to from start to finish. Eric Campuzano said in an interview that "We wanted to make an album that sounded like it came from the earth." I would say they did succeed. The music is strangely haunting and soothing as you listen to it. It is by no means music to rock out to. This is music to digest and really hear the emotion flowing out of it. They use many middle eastern type drum beats through out the album along with feedback that you can't believe from the guitar. I have yet to hear anyone do anything similar with guitar like Andy Prickett did on this album. It truly is a one of a kind awesome album. Sadly, it will always be one of a kind, due to the bands break up after completing this album. However I would take one awesome album to 5 mediocre albums anyday.

Discography
Here Comes The Rust (2003)
Live @CBGB's (2002)
So Close...Yet So Far (1998)
Antarctica (1996)
Mercury (1995)  
The Shawl (1993)
Whirlpool (1992)
Neverland Sessions (1991)


Album Review

That the Prayer Chain was edgy enough to make an obstinate break from the radio-friendly modern rock of Whirlpool is made clear the instant Tim Taber sneers "Shine is dead" on Shawl's opening gambit. A deliberate reference to Whirlpool's sunniest number, the lyric also serves as the album's unifying theme: the death of all that glows with hope. Shawl is a bleak, stubborn record, an unrelenting assault of churning Alice in Chains-style grunge that scraps melody in favor of unfettered emotional angst. The tradeoff isn't always worth it -- Eric Campuzano's painfully poetic lyrics are too often self-important and overwrought, and Taber's blustery, iron-man vocal delivery frequently smacks of needless histrionics. As a statement of purpose, the record is brilliantly conceived -- its jagged chords and complicated song structures easily alienate the casual listener, ensuring that those who stick with the Prayer Chain are as passionate about the band's music as the band is. And despite its air of pretentiousness, there is much to admire about Shawl. The shattering epic "Never Enough" moves from redemption to sin and back again with the sweep and scope of a DeMille movie, and the galloping "Fifty-Eight" is as fine a rock number as the band has ever produced. The flangey "Like I Was" and rambunctious punk of "Grin" provide the record much-needed forward momentum, propelled by Andy Prickett's fiery guitar work. Still, Shawl feels more like a press conference than a rock record, and as such its lifespan is incredibly limited. Though they broke with the pop clichés that hampered Whirlpool, they quickly embrace a whole new set of clichés -- those of the grunge age -- and, consequently, Shawl over time sounds neither as brave nor as adventurous as it did upon its release.
~ J. Edward Keyes

This disc was a shot in the arm for rock in my opinion. This band has a lot of originality and even now, almost ten years later I enjoy this disc quite regularly. "Dig-dug", "fifty-eight", and "The hollow" are marvelous songs and throughout the disc the exceptional bass playing underpins the songs. Very influential in helping me develop a love for the bass guitar foundations of rock. A fun disc to spin and a great compliment to "Ten" -era Pearl Jam. Essential.
~ Andy Williamson

This album captures The Prayer Chain at their best, bittersweet lyrics, sorrowful but hopeful minor guitar chords and crunchy riffs that make you burn in your gut. A must for the Christian who understands pain and redemption and for the pickiest music critic who is tired of cliche' and monotony. If you like your music on the edge pick this one up. My personal favorite is "Never Enough".
~ Sean D Moore

Discography
Here Comes The Rust (2003)
Live @CBGB's (2002)
So Close...Yet So Far (1998)
Antarctica (1996)
Mercury (1995)  
The Shawl (1993)
Whirlpool (1992)
Neverland Sessions (1991)



Album Review

The debut EP from California's the Prayer Chain is mostly by-the-numbers modern rock, offering a few odd moments of inspiration and vision. Guitarist Andrew Prickett is in love with his flange pedal, and he employs it heavily on tracks like the rollicking opener, "Mercy," and the breakout pop song "Shine." Stylistically, the Prayer Chain aren't too far off from contemporaries like Material Issue and pioneers like Echo & the Bunnymen, and there is a fresh-faced innocence to the songs on Whirlpool that make even the record's shortcomings oddly endearing. The band delivers a passionate statement of religious faith on "I Believe," but counters it with deep doubt on the all-acoustic title track. In these six songs, it is clear that the Prayer Chain are kicking against convention and anxious to find their voice. ~ J. Edward Keyes

The 1990s seems filled with bands that are either carbon copys of other bands and devoid of talent or worse, bands that may have talent but devoid of any meaning. If you look long and hard enough, you find "Prayer Chain." Hailing from California, this band will go down as the most talented "unknown' band of the decade. The six-song "Whirlpool" is an excellent cd for the beginner, or fans who want to get a hold of some of their best tunes. Really its a preview of their even more brilliant follow up albums, "Shawl" and "Mercury." The only reason it is give four stars is that its not long enough. However, it definitely gives you bang fo the buck, so to speak. "Shine" and "Mercy" are both very catchy, and frontman Tim Taber's voice seems so passionate and haunting in 'I Believe" that the listener will scratch his head and wonder why this band isn't bigger than it is. Other highlights include the guitar-ladden "Follow Me", and the simple, but beautiful, acoustic closer; "Whirlpool." What makes this band so special is they attack faith and relationship issues with such sincerity and clarity. They tell the listern how they really FEEL about issues, unlike a lot talentless bands of today. Their lyrical honesty along with their musical talent makes them a special treasure only known to a handful of music fans. I pray they become better known to the rest of the world.

The Prayer Chain (homepage)

northern records