Few can compare to the life, luster and liveliness in Minneapolis’ Children 18:3. Though the band is punk rock by trade, the term itself can hardly do justice to the unique pop quality this act possesses. Featuring two vocalists- one male, one female- Children 18:3 boasts an armada of delicious melodies and a live show that is completely compelling in the most unkept, erratic sort of way. All three members also have the same mother. That’s right, they are a three-piece punk rock band of siblings. Children 18:3 returns with their HIGHLY anticipated sophomore release on Tooth & Nail- Rain's a Comin', a beautiful record about revival, facing your fears, and taking chances.
Click here to add a video. Click to add lyrics if not listed.
Rain's 'A Comin'| Posted June 28, 2010
Tooth & Nail act Children 18:3 may only be on their second album, but after releasing arguably one of the best debuts in T&N history, this punk band’s impending sophomore release Rain’s ‘A Comin’ is one of the most anticipated albums of the year. Children 18:3 continues with the dark punk, while also expanding its musical palette by incorporating more pop.
The ominous, driving rock title-track leads into “Cover Your Eyes,” an in-your-face punk/rock tune that is reminiscent in style as songs on the first record and is likely to become a fan favorite. Another high-octane track, “The Cruel One,” follows. The lyrics are interesting to listen to, as David sings of an infamous Disney movie villain, Cruella Deville. Lee Marie takes hold of lead vocal duties on “Oh Bravo,” an anthem that will have listeners chanting along. Even though the message on “Oh Bravo” is metaphorical, it’s actually one of the more obvious spiritual songs on the album.
Pleasant harmonies, handclaps, and a syncopated acoustic guitar give “Oh Honestly!” a summery pop feel. “Wonder I” has more of a rock edge, but Lee Marie’s ethereal falsetto on the chorus lightens up the song. Moody rocker, “Lost So Long” is one of the album’s highlights and also resurfaces the theme of “coming rain.”
Rain’s ‘A Comin’ solidifies Children 18:3’s reputation as the finest punk/rock band Christian music has to offer. The harmonies, hooks, lyrics, guitar riffs, drumming- everything Children 18:3 serves up is top notch. This is a five-star album that is not to be missed.
4/5| Posted September 28, 2014
I have to say this is my favorite album from them. Cover your eyes is my favorite song on here. If you are in to punk rock you'll love thus album. Be sure to pick it up ASAP you will not regret it at all. Definitely see them in concert before they are done too since their next album is their last.
They did it again...| Posted January 19, 2011
Amazing. That basically sums this album up. I am completely in love with the intricate and meanigfull lyrics and punk-rock sound of Children 18:3. I think that this artist and this album should be on everyone's list of favorties.
Another great album from the MN rockers..| Posted December 12, 2010
"...We want to be instruments of a new wave of transformation that will sweep the land. We aren't just playing songs. We see something greater on the horizon and we want to be a part of it."
And if David Hostetter--frontman and songwriter for upstart trio Children 18:3--had his way, the songs he and his two bandmates/siblings have just concocted for their sophomore release on Tooth and Nail Records would not just be the soundtrack for the apocalypse, but a part of its catalyst as well.
"The message of this record is that something big is coming. When you take a look at the world around us, it isn't a stretch to conclude that the end is near. We just want to play our role in ushering it in."
So what do songs that bring forth the end of the age sound like? Like the Great Tribulation itself, they are a mixture of dark and light, a beautiful contrast of hope and chaos, pop and angst, victory and righteous indignation. On Rains A Comin' these three Minnesotans don't just pull from their deepest cores to craft sing-alongs in excess, but they do it with the patented personality and genuine emotion that is so vacant in the current context of popular rock music.
Take the lead single, "Cover Your Eyes." There is not a moment wasted, as the song accelerates into urgency out of the gate. And as a speedy punk beat merges with emergency-fueled guitars, two contrasting voices ricochet off one another to compel the listener closer. One, merciless, raw, and masculine. The other, fashionable, wailing, and feminine. Brother David, Sister Lee Marie. They are the double-edged sword of this apocalyptic machine. And in the contrast of their voices lies the intrigue, individuality, and undeniability that is this release.
And as the melody seeps through your pores and you can't help but want more.
She said run, but I'm not running...
Yet for all their affinity for end-times imagery, Children 18:3 have not bowed to emotional one-dimensionality on this, their most universal record yet. This is, by all means, a pop record as much as it is a punk record. And don't be fooled into thinking Rain's A Comin' is doom and gloom; this record excels in highs and will leave you feeling inspired to make a difference, to make a lasting change in your world. And though you may be familiar with Children 18:3--known for their over-the-top glam/punk imaging and devastating live show--they demonstrate here that they have the sand for a run at a larger audience.
"I think we have defied own own stereotype this time around," states David. "This record has some songs that are a bit more commercial. Whereas as the first release had a lot of dark rock n roll, this one is a little bit more well-rounded emotionally speaking. I could see kids who weren't into our stuff before really digging this record."
And if one had to choose one word to describe it, Rain's A Comin' might just be summarized as diverse. There is the slow-rolling heavy anthem title track. There is the mid-tempo, melodic rock triumph that is "Lost So Long." There is the acoustic balladry of "Oh, Honestly." But fear not, loyal followers, there are plenty of fast-paced jams to keep you satiated as well.
And with powerful, poignant lyricism, the picture of the potency is complete. On "Wonder I," David contemplates the power of faith: Wonder, wonder I. If I stood on your shoulders, could I touch the sky? On "Cover Your Eyes," he confronts the foolish notion of self-reliance: The trees have all begun the dance, elated by a second chance, but when a windmill blows it's not hooked up to anything except the breeze. And perhaps the crux of the entire album lies upon two great lines contained on "Jack O' Lantern Dreams": Only if you can remember the ending, can we then work back toward the start.
If you know nothing else about this band know this: they have a live performance that leaves entire postal codes in craters. If you have seen them, you know this to be true. In an age where most depend on gimmicks, spin-kicks, and hocus-pocus, the Hostetters possess that most heralded of gifts: a genuine rock show. They have the chops, the moves, and the attitude. Having toured with such industry heavyweights as Brian Head Welch, Project 86, Classic Crime, Norma Jean, Haste The Day, they have constructed the core necessary to make the leap to the next plateau. And that next level is promised as more opportunities to make converts are presented. With this band, all they need are new eyes to appear before.
With two, number-one rock singles on their debut, along with four total top-five singles, Children have developed the reputation for hit-making. Expect nothing less from Rain's a Comin', which has all the potential in the world to cross multiple formats.
The future is written for Children 18:3. And that future is near. It cometh with double-edged guitars, triumphant melodies, and fire, fire, fire.
"Revival and rain is coming on the horizon. There is a cloud that we can see...and it is starting to happen already. It is written that in the final days He will pour out his spirit on the nations. We would love to play some small role in that. That is why we are here."
Amazing.| Posted July 27, 2010
Their last album was awesome but I wasn't sure how this one would turn out. After listening to Rain's A Comin' non-stop for a week after I got it I have to say this one is even better than the last. The sound quality is so much better, they opened up their variety a bit, they went farther with their lyrical content, and they still kept that unique edge that they always bring into their songs. I love it.
Oh Bravo!| Posted July 08, 2010
This is one of my new favorite cds! I loved their first album so much I wasn't sure they'd be able to live up to it...but they did! I kinda feel like some of the songs don't need to be so repetitive, and the cd is pretty short, but other than that it's perfect! I think my favorite off of this album would have to be Driftwood.
4.5/5| Posted July 03, 2010
Children 18:3 returns with their second outing and it is every bit as enjoyable as their debut but is not better than it. But there are still plenty of memorable tracks to be found here like "Cover Your Eyes," "Oh Honestly," and "Lost So Long." The only things making me not give this album a perfect 5 rating are that there are too few songs on here (10 full tracks plus 2 instrumental tracks that feel out of place as opposed to the rest of the album,)and the length barely goes over 30 minutes. Besides that, I still highly recommend this album to anyone who is looking for a fun and fast-paced experience.
to add lyrics if not listed.
