Children 18:3 – "On The Run

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Frequently, the first listen of a new album will bring the inevitable "sounds like" comparison to mind. This simply wasn't the case at all with Children 18:3's On The Run. There is no "this sounds just like band X" here - not even to the extent of sounding just like their first two releases. Yes, it's still David (who we hear more of than we did on Rain's 'a Comin), Lee Marie and Seth, it's just a sunnier, more polished version of them.

Maybe it is the influence of Travis Wyrick (P.O.D., Disciple, Pillar) as their producer, maybe it is just the inevitable growth that comes as you age, whatever it is, it works on every song. Maturity? Yes! But not so much so that it has taken the fun out of the equation.

'On The Run' - Catchy and Super-Charged

Style: Punk rock
12 Songs
Time: 40 minutes
Release Date: June 19, 2012
Label: Tooth & Nail Records

From the pedal to the metal rockers (like "What About Justice?") to the playful Family Force 5'ish pop / punk tracks (like "All In Your Head") to the slower, easier ballads (like "Always On The Run") that pluck your heartstrings, Children 18:3 successfully maintains the catchy factor, giving 110% of themselves with each song. With On The Run, you get 40 minutes of listening pleasure without a single, solitary drab moment anywhere in the mix.

Words like invigorating, refreshing and energizing come to mind as I listen to On The Run. Combining lyrics that get your attention and remind you of the promise of hope that we all have with fast and tight guitars and impressive harmonies between the siblings, every song offers something special.

This should be where I put in a "Listener Beware" notice - regardless of how many gray hairs you have or wrinkles around your eyes you can count, you'll find yourself hitting repeat on songs like "We'll Never Say Goodbye" (Lee Marie's vocal range shines), "Always on the Run" (Lee Marie and David trade off lead vocals and show a softer side) and "Why Are You Afraid Of The Dark?" (with guest vocalist Christian Lindskog from Blindside and lyrics that remind us that we, as God's "little ones" have nothing in the dark to fear).

Bottom Line - As a 40-something mom of six and grandma of two, I'm always slightly hesitant to listen to albums and/or bands geared toward the "younger generation" because I fear that I'll finally find that album that makes me feel like I should be "acting my age" (as my 12-year-old likes to point out I should do.) I'm pleased to say that I wasted time worrying about On The Run. Good music, regardless of the style, is as timeless as it is appealing to all ages.

On The Run Track Listing: