Aptly named, “On The Run” is the perfect display of Children 18:3's determination and joy that they show in their career. The two brothers and sister have managed to create a fresh sound with this record, complete with punk hooks and soaring melodies.
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The Children Have Grown| Posted June 11, 2012 Tooth & Nail recording artist Children 18:3 made a name for themselves in the music scene back in 2008 with their self-titled debut project. The trio--made up of siblings Seth, David and sister Lee Marie Hostetter--birthed new life into the dying punk rock music movement by meshing gritty guitar riffs, thrashing drums and raw vocals against the backdrop of their blatantly honest spiritual lyrics.
The band was an instant success, and soon released a follow-up titled Rain's a Comin in 2010. The album showed a maturity by the group, experimenting with indie rock sounds, while still staying loyal to the punk tendencies fans had come to love on their debut.
Having played over 150 shows over the last several years, the group took some time off the road in late 2011 to record their most recent project, On The Run.
The phrase "On The Run" holds a special meaning for the young band. Not does it paint a clear picture of their chaotic touring life over the last four years, it also represents an unexpected melodic change of pace.
"Prior to recording the project, we were just like, 'Man, let's switch it up and take a new approach,'" says drummer Seth of the album. "There is a lot of musical variety.'"
Working with producer Travis Wyrick (Pillar, Disciple, P.O.D.) for the first time, the band decided to throw out the old formula and start from scratch, showcasing they are capable of far more musically than most people would think.
"Moment After Moment" starts things off on a fast paced punk note, and shows no signs of slowing down with the fist throwing, headbanging track "Bandits."
"We'll Never Say Goodbye" delves into the new musical waters with which the band is experimenting on this project. While keeping its rock flair, it can easily be categorized as a power pop song, a style that is increasingly growing in the indie music circle.
Rock-fuelled "What About Justice?" is a painfully honest tune about a believer being questioned by someone who demands a reason for all the suffering in the world. The song offers few answers, the group even admitting they don't fully understand why certain things are allowed to happen. It's a relatable song for anyone who has ever been in that tough position.
"Jenny" is written from the viewpoint of a girl looking for love in all the wrong places, only to find out that the love she's been looking for comes in the form of a God who's been pursing her all her life. It's one of the most solid tracks on the project.
Album namesake "Always On The Run" slows things down a bit, talking about how we always run from the things we need the most. Lee Marie and David's vocal shine on this song, but lyrically, it's a little muddled. It's a solid song, it'll just take some extra effort on the listeners behalf to interpret it for themselves. The rock comes back with a vengeance in the form of "I Tried To Do The Right Thing" and "Holding On," the latter of the two being an indie rock lover's dream.
"Why Are You Afraid Of The Dark?" is my favorite song on the album from a lyrical standpoint, it being a dark lullaby of sorts, from a father to their frightened child. It paints an unconventional picture of how God shelters us from the darkness in this world. I enjoy the originality of the concept.
"Nowhere To Run" pays homage to the band's punk/rock roots by starting off with David Hostetter's screaming vocals, and transitions into "All In Your Head," which is almost fighting in its mock-Southern Rock similarity to fellow Tooth & Nail rockers, Family Force 5. This will definitely be a fun song to hear live, as it's one of the best on the album.
The mini-track "Drifter" ends this album off an anathematic note. It's high energy musical climax leads the listener to the edge of a cliff before it suddenly comes to an abrupt end. The lyrics talk about us earth being drifters in a desert looking for answers, but unfortunately leaves off with the sudden conclusion of the song before it gets to a moral. Although it was written intentionally to be this way, I feel like the band could have finished the song and closed this album off an extremely high note, and not just an epic epilogue.
Closing Thoughts: Having not been familiar with any of Children 18:3's music before going into it, I was pleasantly surprised with On The Run. Digging through the band's musical evolution, it's easy to see how much they've grown sonically since their debut. Fans of their edgier sounds of the past may not be too keen on the musical direction they decided on take this this effort, offering very little of what they're known for. What they have accomplished however, is proving their diversity and capability to do not only punk, but rock, pop and even acoustic ballads extremely well.
The album can get lyrically sketchy at times, leaving almost too much room for personal interpretation, but regardless, listeners will repeatedly take away a solid message. This is one of the "can't miss" CCM alternative rock albums of the year and fans of the genre will not be disappointed.
Children 18:3 is a Christian punk band from Morris, Minnesota. The band is composed of home-schooled siblings David, Lee Marie and Seth. The lead vocals are shared by David and Lee Marie with their brother Seth on the drums. Their band's name refers to the Bible verse Matthew 18:3, "and He said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Aptly named, On The Run is the perfect display of Children's determination and joy that they show in their career. The two brothers and sister have managed to create a fresh sound with this record, complete with punk hooks and soaring melodies.
I have four main types of albums that really grab me and become the mainstays of my most played albums and songs each year: singer-songwriters like Audrey Assad, worship artists like Starfield, rock/pop bands like Sidewalk Prophets and punk rock bands like House of Heroes. I’ve very quickly added this incredible, practically perfect and completely infectious release by Children 18:3 to my most played and admired albums of the year. From the opening hooky notes and punk rock tempo of first track and lead single “Moment to Moment,” I knew I was in for a treat with this delectable album. The mix of tempos is pure perfection and the drum, guitar and bass syncopation is a thing of beauty. The best aspect of this album is the blend of David’s and Lee Marie’s harmonies layered over one catchy song after another. There are several songs that I can’t stop playing or get out of my head from this album. I love the pre-chorus: “every choice before you was a challenge to succeed” from “Moment to Moment” which challenges me to think about the daily choices I make, such as in Proverbs 12:9: “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.” Many people rationalize sinful behavior by thinking little white lies don’t matter, but biblically and in the song I think about how God is with His children all the time.
“Jenny” has another infectious melody and lyrics that sticks with me: “Jenny don’t wait, the Light won’t last, and there’s only one way to reach tomorrow, time follows us, and any moment now you just don’t know, He’s after us, everywhere we go, you never, you never, you never know.” “Jenny” reminds me of the Truth from Psalm 9:10: “Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.” Title track “Always On The Run” keeps that theme going, and is a ballad gorgeously sung together by Lee Marie and David where she implores “I’m done running, I promise You,” and he replies, “until you arrive somewhere you’ll be running, you’ll always be running, so stay-away from me, you can’t make a home like this, so runaway from me.” It is my favorite song on the album and is a sobering reminder to keep my “eyes on the prize” that for me connects with Galatians 5:7: “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?” The other songs I can’t stop playing are the super-hooky rock songs “We’ll Never Say Goodbye,” “What About Justice?” and “Why Are You Afraid Of The Dark?,” which features a guest vocal from Blindside’s lead singer and has a great comforting chorus, “Why are you afraid the dark tonight, little one, I’m right beside you, sleep…” My middle daughter Cassandra has struggled with nightmares. To bring her comfort, we’ve studied Proverbs 3:24: “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Amen to that!
CLOSING THOUGHTS
On The Run by Children 18:3 is without a doubt the top punk rock album of the year. I can't get enough of this album, which is one of the catchiest and most hope-filled emotional rock albums I've ever heard. If you haven't jumped on Children’s bandwagon, don't wait any longer. This album will stay in heavy rotation for me all year. Similar to House of Heroes, this album is loaded with incredibly tight guitar riffs and amazing harmonies. This album is by far the catchiest, most energetic and emotionally engaging alternative rock album I've heard this year.
Great Album.| Posted August 05, 2013
This album is a little different than Children 18:3's previous albums. It has a cleaner sound but still has the same energy. Lee Marie sings more on this album which is nice. Also, there are a couple slower/acousticy songs that were a pleasant surprise when listening to the album the first time. Lyrically this album was right on point. As usual, Children 18:3 produced another stellar album.
WOW!| Posted February 13, 2013
The title basically sums up my thoughts about this album. Ironically though it took a while to grow on me. After purchasing the album the day of release, I only really listened to one track up until December and it is then that I found out what I had been missing!
"On the Run" was one of the best albums of 2012 and honestly one of the best I have ever heard. It had deep content as far as lyrics go, great music to go with the lyrics, and the three siblings did amazing with both! Every track had it's special feel, but a few of my favorites were "Why are you Afraid of the Dark?" which was an amazing song basically questioning why do we fear, when God's promised to be right beside us the whole way?, "We'll Never Say Goodbye", a simply outstanding song about staying united no matter what, and "All in Your Head", a song that to me would be epic live!
All in all "On the Run" is a great album for any rock fan, as well as those who enjoy indie music in general!
On The Run| Posted October 24, 2012
On The Run is a new experiance from the band. It has a song for everyone. Adding their version of a ballod to the cd was an amazing experiance. While tying Moment to Moment into a cirus theme was a job well done.
Not as good as Rain's a Comin| Posted September 17, 2012
Sweet beats, but for some reason its just not as hitting as rains a coming. I like the attempt at a new direction but it's to scrambled. C183 needs to find a focus and settle on it. too many topics for one album, and sometimes confusing lyrics can lead some astray from their music and fandom. tight excellent band, poor writing
Thanks| Posted June 29, 2012
Wiht a amazing punk rock this guys make me praise the lord! I wish i can show this music to my friends, and i will leran some songs from this cd too. Thanks Newreleasestuesday for make me know more bands! lol
Not my style -- too much loud rock| Posted June 20, 2012
I normally try to listen all the way through NRTeam's album previews, but this one I'm turning off as soon as I write this. It might be your style, but it comes across to me as too much yelling and clashing guitars. If that's your thing, great, but it was just too much for me, particularly since I couldn't understand the lyrics.
Another Successful Outing| Posted June 19, 2012
Children 18:3's third outing On the Run continues to showcase a band that knows its sound and contiunally improves on it. The first notes of the opening track "Moment To Moment" will sound familiar to anyone who has listened to the previous albums by the band and yes, that fast hard punk sound maintains throughout this album as well, but they are so good at what they do that you'll have a good time listening. The lyrics are still as great as always and the vocals from siblings Seth and Lee Marie sound amazing as always.
On the Run is not out to break new ground, it's more of what makes Children 18:3 so good. The band is not out to re-invent themselves with every album but they do improve their sound along the way. The future is looking bright for the band as they are 3-for-3 so far.
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