Antarctica

Description

Antarctica is an album by the American alternative rock band The Prayer Chain, released on Brainstorm Artists International in May 1996. Tracks 1 to 6 are outtakes from the Mercury studio sessions. The remaining tracks were recorded live at Azusa Pacific University December 30, 1995.

Authentically original and groundbreaking rock bands are few and far between, be they Christian or general market. Thus it is inevitable that news of the demise of the Prayer Chain is met with genuine sadness. Not only did this band raise the expectations of what a Christian alternative/modern rock band could sound like, but it managed to considerably better itself with each of its three releases for Reunion Records.

‘Antarctica’ is the band’s way of saying au revoir to its many loyal fans. Comprised of five outtakes of the ‘Mercury‘ sessions, as well as live versions of eight of the band’s better-known songs, ‘Antarctica’ effectively showcases much of the band’s brilliance.

Of the five new songs included, three are love songs, evidence enough to explain why they would have seemed out of place on the decidedly dark and brooding ‘Mercury’. Indeed, both «Chalk» and «Loverboy» would musically seem to be the hit singles that might have helped the ‘Mercury’ masterpiece achieve something more than minimal commercial success.

Oddly enough, the title cut is the least satisfying of the new offerings, as its grating guitars render it nearly unpleasant. «Superfree» touches on Christian liberty, while «Friend or Foe» explores the constancy of God, albeit in an abstract way. Consider: “Sunshine and the Super God/ How could I ever go wrong/ It’s something I’ve never wished/ The Hummingbird on the Left/ I’m pretty sad… I guess.”

As a bridge between the studio cuts and the live recordings, a remixed version of ‘Mercury’s «Humb» is presented, with the vocals even less distinguishable than on the aforementioned album’s version. It remains one of the more mesmerizing, if not downright unorthodox, worship songs ever recorded.

The eight live cuts included were put to tape December 30 of last year at the band’s final concert. Highlights include «Wrounde», «Waterdogs», and «The Hollow». The strong rhythmic grooves, the Middle Eastern percussion playing, and the thrashing guitars combine for a powerful experience that is bound to make the listener wish for one more chance to see the Prayer Chain live. Given the fact that we live in an imperfect world, however, ‘Antarctica’ will have to suffice as a reminder of all that was right with this band. [Michael Ciani, CCM, October 1996]

CD tracklist:

01. Antarctica – 3:19
02. Chalk – 2:53
03. Loverboy – 3:47
04. Friend Or Foe – 4:50
05. Superfree – 3:17
06. Humb – 5:36
07. Wrounde – 4:33
08. Waterdogs – 3:08
09. Creole – 4:58
10. Grylliade – 5:44
11. Bendy Line – 4:56
12. Crawl – 3:59
13. Sky High – 8:26
14. The Hollow – 3:39

Note: Available at Bandcamp: https://theprayerchain.bandcamp.com/album/antarctica

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