Thursday January 6th, 2000

Not only is the Newsboys new album intriguingly titled, Love, Liberty, Disco, but as part of the album launch, they will be touring the country with their own venue--an inflatable, even air-conditioned "Disco Dome." This air-dome will be the showcase for the band as they play 70 shows in 50 cities to crowds nationwide.

Love, Liberty, Disco(Sparrow Records) is the band's brilliantly executed eighth album, and its ten tracks display an enormous range: from the '70s-era Stevie Wonder atmosphere of the title track, a song showing what faith has to offer, to the strong U2 influences in "I Would Give Everything," a look at someone desperately counting the days until reaching "that perfect place."

"The 10-track set reveals intricate melodies, insightful lyrics, and innovative production - the latter provided by front man/guitarist Peter Furler, who, together with bassist Phil Joel and Gibson SG and Gibson Les Paul guitarist Jody Davis, create an intoxicating blend of vocals," says a recent Billboard review.

In the center of it all is Peter Furler's stirring voice which ranges from an ear-pricking whisper to a yearning high tenor. In "Break", Furler extends his compassion after looking into his soul and discovers the more spiritual one becomes, the less selfish one becomes. "Closer I get to you I see, souls full of hurt, full of need. The closer I get the less I see of me," he cries out with Davis' gorgeous tremeloed guitar reverberating in the background and a swirling mass of violins echoing the bittersweet tension.

Each of its members -- vocalist/guitarist/drummer Furler, guitarist Davis, bassist Phil Joel, keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein and drummer Duncan Philips -- utilize their strong musical chemistry to tastefully accompany thoughtful lyrics on spirituality and love. Plus, they integrate their impeccably-written tunes with sounds of old and new, like harpsichord tinklings, DJ scratches and funky slap-bass.

The Aussie-originated Newsboys stand as one of today's most promising yet enduring pop bands, having sold nearly 3 million records and earning three Grammy nominations (for 1993's Not Ashamed, Going Public in 1995 and Take Me To Your Leader in 1996). Their lush, catchy sound has captivated many listeners over the last ten years, winning a string of other accolades, including four Dove Awards and two gold records. Their live shows are legendary, evident in selling out arenas wherever they go.

"The band is loaded with talent and has a keen melodic knack, with Furler's raw, husky lead voice -- akin to Peter Garrett of Midnight Oil -- bolstered by the pure, soaring harmonies and occasional lead singing of Joel and Davis," the Los Angeles Times raved in 1998.

Formed in Australia in 1988 by Furler, the band has kept their characteristic sound largely intact. The band, relocated in the states, now boasts a multi-national lineup, including two Australians, a New Zealander and two Americans.

Check the Sparrow Records website, www.sparrowrecords.com, or www.newsboys.com for further tour and Newsboys details.

From http://www.gibson.com/whatsnew/pressrelease/2000/jan6a.html