Gideon’s Army was a San Francisco Bay Area based rock/hard
rock band dating back to the 70’s. Warriors
of Love was originally released in 1985. Retroactive Records has been able to
remaster and re-release this lost and forgotten gem of Christian Music. Perhaps
with one of the most iconic covers in the history of the genre.
Perhaps it’s my loss that I never had a chance to see Gideon’s
Army in concert during the 80’s. I don’t
remember them ever playing clubs but primarily performed as a prison ministry
and I’m sure there were church concerts as well but alas I guess I wouldn’t be
able to connect.
That all being said Warriors of Love is solid album of 80’s
infused Bay Area rock/hard rock. Trending ground similar to later Jefferson
Starship, Journey and more commercialized Night Ranger. Hooks are abundant as
are the keyboards and synthesized sounds that permeate this release, yet they
take a back seat to the guitar driven solos throughout.
With easily accessible
and immediately memorable songs such as Moment by Moment, Runaway and
Backsliding Brother it’s a wonder why this group wasn’t signed to one of the
major Christian labels back in the day. Another of the great mysteries in my
mind that continues to baffle as to why almost none of the SF Bay Area bands
were ever signed (save for Veil of Ashes).
The title track itself is a precursor of the power ballad
but strikes with more energy then most of their later contemporaries. This is a strong song that demands a repeat
play right after listening, and I’m not a ballad guy at all. A few quirky pop
moments appear in the form of No Fun and Video complete with drummer Jerry
Anderson playing Simmons drums.
Recorded in Hayward ’s
Master track Studio (if memory serves correctly. The same place Soldier would
record their classic Babylon
tape) there is reverb a plenty but that was the sound at the time. Once again
the genius of J Powell at Steinhaus has breathed fresh life into a recording
that has accepted the infusion of clarity well and is better for it.
Thanks to Dave Johnson who tipped Retroactive Records about
Gideon’s Army desire to see this material reissued. I for one am glad that its
here and now we can enjoy it for posterity. Fans of 80’s rock n roll will want
to add this solid slab of rock to their musical library.
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