The Innocence Mission

Description

The self-titled, first full-length album by the American alternative pop band The Innocence Mission was released on A&M Records in 1989. The album was recorded November 1988 to June 1989 by Steve Churchyard and Tony Phillips at various studios in Los Angeles, California – The Kiva, Ocean Way Recording, A&M Studios, and the SoundCastle – with Larry Klein producing. Mixed by Tony Phillips.

Both The Ocean Blue and The Innocence Mission caught our attention three years ago, on the East Coast sampler called ‘Preliminary Hearing‘, and it’s great to report that their major label debuts more than live up to the advance hype they’ve received.

The Innocence Mission shares a common regional background with The Ocean Blue – both are from southeast Pennsylvania – and both will likely appeal primarily to the same early 20’s to early 30’s crowd. But that is where most similarities end. While its self-titled debut is rich in atmospherics and textures, The Innocence Mission emphasizes its lyrics, via the warm and supple voice of Karen Peris.

Peris’ voice combines the childlike nature of Edie Brickell with a more sultry, “catch-in-the-throat” huskiness of Stevie Nicks. And it seems the perfect instrument for conveying her emotional, often intense lyrics. Musically, the group plays a delicate kind of rock, which emphasizes keyboards and Peris’ tremendous voice.

‘The Innocence Mission’ seems almost a journal of someone’s quest for faith («Surreal») and attempting to live each day in that faith («Clear to You»). «Mercy» paints a vivid picture of the human spirit as a kite, floating where “there are no fires of hell, only Mercy.” The family is also at the forefront of Peris’ thoughts – saying hello to a new member («Curios»), keeping the family ties strong («Broken Circle») and not neglecting the older generation («Come Around and See Me»).

Aside from the audio content of both releases, the packaging and graphics are first-rate, and seem to be a signal that the labels are committed to the success of these fine groups. But more than that, the bands themselves are sending a message to young Christian musicians who wish to state their faith in an artistic manner to the world beyond the church. [Bruce Brown, CCM, December 1989]

Since 1986’s ‘Preliminary Hearing‘, an independent sampler from the Lancaster PA-area from the folk who produce the Creation Festival every year, we’ve heard that Innocence Mission and Ocean Blue were due for releases on major labels. Both arrive within a month of one another three years later, and both tend to understate the case for their commercial appeal. (The Ocean Blue is reviewed elsewhere.)

The striking feature of Innocence Mission is the wispy voice and songs of Karen Peris, she’s equal parts Rickie Lee Jones, Stevie Nicks, Sam Phillips and Maria McKee. While Peris never quite sounds as strong as those mentioned, she holds the promise in her delivery of «Come Around And See Me» and «Wonder Of Birds» to match and surpass them all.

Subtlety, nuance and texture seem to be the bywords for this band, as the music seems to serve only the primary purpose of supporting the songs of Peris. She also plays keys, while her husband Don Peris adds guitar and bass player Mike Bitts and drummer Steve Brown make up the rhythm section. «Black Sleep Wall» finds Innocence Mission at their very best, bringing a solid foundation with Karen Peris fluid, dream-like melodic questioning. Each successive listen reveals greater depth, this is a debut that promises this band an artistically appealing future. If you’re «Curious», don’t miss Innocence Mission; where there’s «Mercy» for the «Broken Circle». [Brian Q. Newcomb, Harvest Rock Syndicate, Issue 3, 1989 (Volume 4)]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-innocence-mission/1443555790)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Paper Dolls” – 1:20
A2. “Black Sheep Wall” – 4:20
A3. “Surreal” – 2:50
A4. “Curious” – 2:48
A5. “Clear To You” – 5:41
A6. “Mercy” – 3:54
A7. “Broken Circle” – 3:25

Side Two
B1. “I Remember Me” – 3:57
B2. “You Chase The Light” – 3:40
B3. “Notebook” – 4:35
B4. “Come Around And See Me” – 4:53
B5. “Wonder Of Birds” – 3:16
B6. “Medjugorje” – 1:54

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by A&M Records.