Kathleen A. Ervin

What are four Australian guys doing roaming the highways and byways of America? Well, they're not sightseeing, we can tell you that. These gentlemen are in search of high schools ­ any high schools ­ to play their brand of raucous, slightly left of the center rock 'n' roll. And these guys have lots of experience. Before 1991 closes, The Newsboys will have over 200 concert dates under its collective belt, promoting its second album, Boyz Will Be Boyz.

Having been in the States for over three years (they still call the Great Down Under 'home' but when in the U.S., their ministry is based in Atlanta, GA), the Boys ­ John James, Peter Furler, Cory Pryor, Sean Taylor and Vernon Bishop ­ are putting aside the Koala bears and going for a more direct approach to music and ministry. With musical influences that range from techno-pop to acid rock, the band incorporates tastes from all band members, for a sound that reflects the cooperative effort of the multi-opinionated group. Boyz Will Be Boyz goes for a light-handed, entertaining approach to stage persona ­ but, a word of caution. More than a first glance is needed to define this band and its multi-layered mix of music and religion.

Says lead vocalist John James, "Our vision of what the band is has changed with this latest album. Instead on concentrating on the process of making the album, choosing the songs and all, we have turned it around for a different focus. Instead of making albums that satisfy our musical needs, we're putting more energy into being a traveling evangelical team and the music that suits our audience. Continues drummer Peter Furler, "It is so easy, too easy, to get hooked up into the whole industry end of the business. You know, how much product you sell, how many people are listening, where's the latest song on the chart. We came to a point where we had to make some decisions about we wanted for the band and the music that we make. All of our lives we wanted to be the best in Christian music. Well, so what if you are the 'best.' You learn fast that it doesn't mean much in God's eyes. We want to make good use of the talents that God has given us so that he will say, 'Well done, good and faithful servant'"

From CCM Magazine, Sept. '91