This folk/alternative/roots supergroup emerged in the early 90s as prominent members of four huge Christian bands came together in a new way altogether. Michael Roe of the Seventy Sevens, Terry Scott Taylor of Daniel Amos, Gene Eugene of Adam Again, and Derri Daugherty of the Choir joined their songwriting, playing, and singing skills and released the brilliant debut Scenic Routes in 1992. The album was an amalgamation of all things Americana: folk, country, gospel, bluegrass, blues, and rock and roll all coming together with an alternative tinge.
Fortunately, for fans, the supergroup released a strong succession of albums for nearly two decades, all while keeping their other creative outputs going both through solo projects and their groups of origin. That is, all except for Gene Eugene (Andrusco), who died tragically in 2000, leaving a host of mourners missing his trademark croon.
“No Ship Coming In” first appeared on the fantastic Brow Beat: Unplugged Alternative compilation, one of the most refreshing compilations of the era. The song has been on replay in my head for a few days now, and when that happens I try to pay attention. What is God, or perhaps my own subconscious, trying to tell me?
Let’s be honest. With the recent election results, many people reading this will be happy. Others will be sad, angry, depressed, fearful, and so forth. What this song reminds us is that regardless of where we find ourselves in uncertain times, love is always the thing that will pull us through.
It’s all breaking down
Crushed into the ground
But I will love you forever
It’s falling apart
Hopeless and dark
But we’re gonna see it
Through together
Caught in a landslide
Earthquakes and high tides
It’s gonna be a rough ride
But I’ll stay by your side
By grace we remain
With hands in the flame
But I will love you forever
Times may be hard
We’re crippled and scarred
But we’re gonna see it through together
(We’re gonna see it through)
The first version below comes from Brow Beat, as mentioned above, and is the acoustic version. There is also a poppier version found on the band’s sophomore album, Little Red Riding Hood that leans into the 60s-inspired pop bliss that inspired much of the band’s own influences, so I’ve included that one too.
Acoustic version from Brow Beat:
Electric version from Little Red Riding Hood