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Yes ladies and gentlemen, the Prodigal Sons have returned, and they're ready to party like it's 1993. The kings of sanctified old school techno have released a full length album, and they can still dance.

The title of the album is "Reignite" and could have easily have been named "Reunite." After having split up and out of the scene for a while (although they had other projects) they jump right back in the swing of things. Every thing is poised for the comeback except for one thing: Nobody told them that techno has changed. Now if you are a fan of the old school, then get out of your chair and go pick up this album. It will be everything you want it to be. But if you've been down with the scene just within the last few years, and despise the earlier beats, then skip this album.

There are a few tracks like "Republic," and the remix (by Kaboing) of their hit "Prosperity Tweakers," that sound real tight. "Republic" starts off with a smooth trance build up, then bangs off into a half step beat that will get the lounge moving. But in contrast to these, are songs like "Presence." This song sounds too much like Moby , and might have been a hit way back in the day, but it's 8 years too late. The problem with it is that it's cluttered with too much piano and takes you nowhere. That's the problem with this album: It leaves you where you started.

It's not that every song is a strike out, but if you want to average out the good with the bad, then your batting .500. Which is good if you're a baseball player, but you're a consumer, so be careful. If you weren't down with the Prodigal Sons from the start, then you probably wouldn't have your mind swayed by this album.

Justin W. Jones 8/12/2000

Having been described as “hardcore techno/rave knob-twiddlers” by John “The C.O.D.” Turpin, Prodigal Sons returns to the Christian dance/rave scene with Reignite on N’Soul Records.  Producer/remixer Greg Hobgood and leader J.R. Barbee pound out danceable techno beats and instrumental rave tracks with a renewed energy, after having temporarily disbanded in 1998.  Listing 808 State as one of their main influences, Barbee and Hobgood throw in enough thematic variety to keep a discerning listener interested, all the while keeping ravers’ feet moving.  The tunes are lengthy, yet not monotonous, and the synth layers are thick and well-mixed.  Using techniques such as filter sweeps and sequenced arpeggios, Prodigal Sons (Psons for short) stay true to the techno genre, possibly too true to distinguish themselves from other bands on the scene.

One track that detours from the instrumental vein on the CD is “Ephesians 5:19.”  Containing vocal samples of prayers and preaching overlaying the flowing techno beat, it unfortunately comes across as overbearing.  The next sample-enhanced track, “Republic,” immediately follows with redemption and hits the dance floor with its super-syncopated drum track peppered with vocal stabs.

The final track “Prosperity Tweakers (Home School Rejects Mix)” features the remixing talents of fellow dance band Kaboing (Brittany, Ian, and Blake Potter) and shouts the message, “You don’t have to be poor any more!”  It is one of the more memorable tracks if not for its music as much as its commentary.  There is also a “hidden track” at the very end with a small girl singing a touching worshipful song.  Best guess from the credits suggest it is Hobgood’s young daughter.

All in all, Prodigal Sons turns in a decent performance with Reignite, and fans will hope the flame stays lit.

Zik Jackson 10/7/2000