Musical Style: Classic Rock	Produced By:
Record Label: Wine Skin / Retroactive	Country Of Origin: USA
Year Released: 1972 / 2021	Artist Website:
Tracks: 9	Rating: 75%
Running Time: 33:05

With its classic rock nuances, acoustic guitar inclining and psychedelic propensity, Rainbow Promise and its-self titled debut full-length screams retro 70’s rock.  As it should when factoring its 1972 release at the height of the Jesus Music era in capturing the musical times at hand, particularly in light of contemporaries Wilson McKinley, Love Song, All Saved Freak Band, JC Power Outlet, Exkursions and to a lesser degree early Resurrection Band.  That said despite the Resurrection Band comparison in addition to a triple guitar attack - two electric; one acoustic - and lead-footed drummer, do not confuse Rainbow Promise with hard rock.  Rather, the lighter side to Resurrection Band might be the better indicator, pointing to Awaiting Your Reply (group’s 1978 debut) tracks “Broken Promises” and “The Return” not to mention acoustic intros to “Irish Garden” and “Golden Road”.  Whereas Rainbow Promise makes no use of keyboards, you can also reference Rainbow’s End (1979 sophomore release) numbers “Paint A Picture” and “Concert For A Queen”.

As one might imagine, Rainbow Promise is long out of print and a hard to find collectors item.  Enter Retroactive Records, whom in late 2021 re-mastered and re-issued the album on CD (October 29 release) and vinyl (December 15).  A foil stamped trading card accompanies the CD version along with an eight-panel insert home to retro band photos and lyrics; vinyl comes with a 12” insert, referencing work of Scott Waters of No Life Til Metal Graphics either way.   
      
I do not own an original vinyl copy to Rainbow Promise so cannot offer comparison in term of the Rob Colwell (Bombworks Sound) re-mastering.  However, it deserves note the original analog recording lends to a natural and warm sound in which all instrumentation cleanly stands out.  Giving credit to re-mastering, I do not sense any of the muddiness or thinness one might expect from an early 70’s independent recording.  It reminds of Thieves & Liars, whom used recording techniques from the late 60’s to early 70’s on its 2008 debut When Dreams Become Reality to achieve similar results.

Opener “Get Ready” embodies the seventies inspired classic rock Rainbow Promise sound.  Acoustic guitar interspersed with bluesy electric guitar directs it front to back, up-tempo and lively the intonation but also inspiring as front man Steve Powell inquires of the listener in his stately mid-ranged to classic tenor voice, ‘are you ready for Christ’s coming, for that moment are you longing?”

“Someone You Need” separates as one of albums more guitar driven.  It is in similar musical vein but more mid-paced as electric guitar team of Powell and Ric Bowers take center stage with scorching riffs and chops over an acoustic bedrock.  This is where the Resurrection Band “Broken Promises” correlation comes into play, pinpointing the ‘wah-wah’ guitar instrumental moments.  Lyrics present a straightforward salvation message:

Listen hear people what I have to say
I know someone who really cares about your life
And what you do; He really cares about you

I’m talking about Lord Jesus Christ
He died on the cross for our sins
That we might have eternal life
And that we might find our way to heaven

I appreciate the time changes to “Do You Hear”, starting slowly to bass underpinning acoustic sentiments only to abruptly elevate in single-minded fashion to electric guitar.  Pace decelerates for the remaining span as tone reflects the moody to lower register vocals and airy harmony vocals.  Dennis Jones is all over the place with hits considerable timekeeping.

A left turn on subsequent tracks “Romans 8:28”, a laid-back country rocker sounding as if recorded live in the studio, and “Joy Of The Lord”, a minute and half remake of the Gospel classic.  Former draws its lyrics from the passage in question:

All things work together for the good
Of them who live the Lord
To them who are called according to His will

And they know that every good gift
And all good things come from above
From the Father of Light
With whom there’s no change or shadow of turning

“I’ve Got The Rebirth” is first of what in my opinion are albums two best songs.  It does a good job filling out its five and half minutes, exuding the composed and soft-spoken with an emphatic melody but picking up gait for elevated guitar based instrumental moments.  All the while, groups ever presents striking vocal melodies hold sway.

Second, “Prophecy” is also in the five and half minute range.  It brings an inviting mid-tempo spirit in elevating an every bit abounding melody, although a bit more guitar focused as found in the bluesy soloing aligning with the delicate front to back acoustic acclivity.  Soulful vocals speak of the wistful.

First listen to “Little Country Church” echoed déjà-vu from how it represents an ‘electric’ cover to the Love Song classic.  Yes, one cannot deny signature melody, nor the first rate musicianship as it strikes home the songs true meaning:

They’re’ talking ‘bout revival and the need for love
That little church has come alive
Working with each other for the common good
Putting all the past aside

Long hair, short hair
Some coats and ties
People finally coming around looking past the hair
And straight into the eyes

“Please Don’t Refuse Him” closes the album in inspired fashion as another acoustic rocker but taking a worshipful slant with its pleasing and touching essence.  Yes, a bit mellower and reserved when placed alongside some - groups flowing vocal harmonies take center stage - but quality is no less as group drives the ‘please don’t refuse Him’ message home:

He died on the cross for you
Died for all your sings
He loves you so
Please don’t refuse His love…

Don’t take it lightly
That He gave His all for you
Please don’t refuse Him…

Just ask Him to come in
Then you’ll see He can give you please

I identify with Rainbow Promise as a very good classic seventies rock album.  Yes, it might come across musically dated when factoring its early seventies release, but one cannot deny strengths in the areas of songwriting and musicianship.  I particularly take to the more rock focused tracks - “Get Ready”, Someone You Need”, “Do You Hear”, “I’ve Got The Rebirth” and “Prophecy” - keeping in mind nothing I skip over in that album proves surprisingly consistent.  If a fan of Jesus Music, classic rock and seventies rock in general or have been looking for this lost gem for years, then make Rainbow Promise a necessary purchase.  Thanks to Retroactive Records for making it available after having been out of print for literally decades.

Review by Andrew Rockwell

Track Listing: “Get Ready” (3:09), “Someone You Need” (3:58), “Do You Hear” (3:40), “Romans 8:28” (3:48), “The Joy Of The Lord” (1:36), “I’ve Got The Rebirth” (5:23), “Prophecy” (5:23), “Little Country Church” (2:47), “Please Don’t Refuse Him” (3:21)

Musicianship
Steve Powell - Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar
Ric Bowers - Lead Guitar
Richard Slaton - Acoustic Rhythm Guitar
Leonard Brannon - Bass
Dennis Jones - Drums