Prodigal Sons – Return

Description

Return is the debut album by the American techno group Prodigal Sons, released on Metro One Recordings in 1993, distributed by Diamante Distribution. The album was recorded, mixed, and produced by band member Greg Hobgood at his home studio.

Prodigal Songs are J.R. Barbee (M.C.), Chris White (D.J., samples, and scratching), and Greg Hobgood (keyboards, programming, and sampling).

Another album from the techno duo, who since their ‘Texno Theology‘ album have been involved in remixing and writing for Raving Loonatics, Resolution and Prophecy Of Panic (and probably others). So what’s new? Well, they’ve progressed (something many bands need to learn) and have turned out a more laid back album. What I mean to say is that they have developed a softer edge since ‘Texno Theology’, which I personally found to be very harsh, and lengthened the tracks to around six minutes each. I find the songs very good to listen to whilst using a computer or simply as music to go to sleep to (only kidding!). From Rolf Harris samples to song titles such as «Apricot Tree» and «303 Wiseman» (obviously due to the song’s reliance on the Roland TB-303) there is much joy and excitement to be had, some of it tongue-in-cheek. But hey, it is funny to beat the Devil on his own territory, isn’t it? Some may hate this music and the Criminal Justice Bill may define it a nuisance, but thank God for the Prodigal Sons. PS, can’t wait for the rumoured live album! [Dave Drodge, Cross Rhythms, February 1995]

CD tracklist:

01. Exalt
02. Godhead
03. Apricot Tree
04. Ravival
05. Firebrand
06. Pastiche
07. Polyphonic
08. Ode to Johnie
09. Time and Tempo
10. Cross the Jordan
11. 303 Wiseman

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Metro One Recordings. Re-issued by Metro One Recordings in 1995.

[youtube_sc url=”vSW9sdkJfk4″ title=”Prodigal Sons: Ravival” autohide=”1″ rel=”0″]Prodigal Sons were the first of it’s kind in the Christian EDM movement. Started in 1991, Greg and J.R. did not understand the doors that God was about to open up for them. Chris White became to DJ for the band in early 1992 and began doing shows at The PowerHouse, Cornerstone Festival, and Opening up for 808 State. This video is the story of The Prodigal Sons. Directed and Produced by Academy Award Winner Brandon Oldenburg.