Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

MULLETS AHOY! Back in the mid - 80s the esteemed members of the band that would become the darlings of the Christian indie scene were known as Youth Choir. Presumably to avoid being mistaken for 50 toothsome singing Baptists, they soon became The Choir and these early recordings were lost in the atmospheres and vibe of the recordings that established them in the past 15 years. Steve Hindalong and Derald Daugherty have certainly made an impact on the Christian music scene since these recordings were, made so a trip back in time is even more interesting! Apart from the dodgy haircuts, the ever-present undercurrent U2 guitar influence is jangling away along with some distinctly 80s synth sounds, making these recordings very much a product of their age. Even here, going back to where it started, there are the embryonic traits that will make their later recordings so evocative. Hard subjects are given sensitive atmospheric treatment so a song like Why Are All The Children Crying cut through to the soul. Elsewhere, the 80s vibe is strong on the synth driven Here In The Night and A Million Years with their poppy production. 15 Doors sounds like October - period U2 whilst More Than Words is slower and brooding with a hard-hitting message to narrow the reality gap between words and actions. Definitely an album for Choir completists who want to get a hold of these rarities or for fans of 80s music!

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