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EUR CD REVIEW: God answers 'Family Prayer' on new Murrills CD
*On the assembly line of gospel acts, groups of kindred come and they go, many failing the QA (quality assurance) check for longevity.
The Murrills, a sextet of singing siblings are the latest brood under inspection for mass consumption.
Produced by Donald Lawrence, the North Carolina natives and former members of the Tri-City singers released their first full-length CD, "Family Prayer" with an important Public Service Announcement. Life is too short ... put your egos aside, God has come to heal the family, quivers the passionate voice of the only sister in the group on the lead song, "There's A Healing."
Deciphering the resistance to Godly morals and the deterioration of family, their message is relevant to a hurting society that wrestles with maintaining trust in God and each other.
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With a theme of reconciliation, love and hope, from the writing to their harmonious delivery, The Murrills approach every song with feverish optimism, suggesting that "family prayer" will make a difference. The no-nonsense lyrics of "Better" tell us go get your future, it's your future-what's to come is better than what's been.
This family-reunion-ready CD, has a cut on it for everyone with lovely ballads (like "Can You Stand the Rain"-yes, it's a New Edition re-make and "Long Time Comin'" their impressive take on a Winans classic) and jammin' upbeat grooves (like "He Is A Friend of Mine" has a house music thump with strings and chords reminiscent of seventies compositions).
Musically progressive ("We Declare War" has a grungy rock feel) and retro at the same time, the styles represented boldly escape "gospel" bounds nearly beyond recognition. Subtract it the spiritual mood of the intro/outro and lyrical content and it would be difficult to define the album as gospel at all, which they are perhaps attempting to broaden their appeal. This is a safe assumption since the tracks "Words and Rhythmn" and "Siyahamba (Janie's Song)" both sung a capella, reflect African influence.
Born with silver-tongues, it is evident The Murrills have been singing together all their lives. They establish the fact that background singing is strictly optional as each one gets a chance to anoint the mic on the 14 track CD, following in the tradition of proven family ensembles-such as The Staples Singers, The Clark Sisters and of course the first family of gospel music, The Winans.
The Murrills are an incredible package and like their legendary gospel predecessors they have passed the QA test, destined to stand the test of time.
Hear cuts from "Family Prayer" via The Murrills' MySpace page.
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