PREVIOUS REVEWS - youthwork
kevin elliot reviews rainmaker, february 2000

rainmaker by yfriday

the north east - gazza, spender, black t-shirts in winter, the metro church sunderland and yfriday?

there has been a three decade tradition of christian rock praise bands, mostly attached to congregations. they often start out at youthgroups and up-beat services, doing
souped-up songs out of conference music books, before penning their own material. in all this time few have found their way to a bigger platform, but with this cd release, a bunch of geordies could have their compasses in line. musically balanced with good production, the tunes are well structured but uncomplicated, catchy but not immediate.

the strongest hook, is on the second track 'holy, holy, holy' which is thankfully not another hymn make-over but a quality new worship song. lyrics are ken riley: he lifts scripture and matches them to his own words of revival-seeking, commitment and praise. whilst not
exactly thematic, weather imagery is used, and not just in the title track. there is the shininh sun (Son), rain and clouds. I am
suprised there was no reference to the 'wind of the Spirit' as in my only trip up there, I was almost blown over. this album may not do that
to you, but it's worth checking out.

reviewed by kevin elliott for youthwork
february 2000