A group of surfers with the dream of impacting the national and international radio waves with the message of Christ hail from a small church in Cape Town, South Africa are calling themselves the Peculiar People Band. Drawing their name from 1 Peter 2:9a (KJV), "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people," the band hopes to spread the message of Christ to today's generation.

Peculiar People Band is made up of Gary Rea (25) on vocals, guitar, and bass, Deon Kleinhans (27) on electric guitar and bass, and Darrell O'Donoghue (25) on drums. Touring with the likes of Tree63 and The Benjamin Gate, Peculiar Band has received numerous awards for #1 Songs in South Africa, a nomination for a South African Music Award, and two Top 10 songs on pop radio in South Africa. After their music spread throughout South Africa, they toured with Christian Surfers United States on the east and west coasts of the United States where they scored a record label with Maranatha! Music. Since then they have opened for artists such as Jeremy Camp and Kevin Max.

After their softer EP with Maranatha! Music entitled Three Guys, Two Days EP, Peculiar People Band has released their first full-length album under the new label. Produced by Phil Sillas (Plus One) and Ralph Stover (Michael Miller), Not Ashamed features a more rock-n-roll sound than the former EP.

Not Ashamed highlights Rea's interesting vocals and deep lyrics that can get anyone into a worshipful mood. Their music is great for group worship, hence the reason they make sure that musicians have a way of easily getting their hands on the songs' guitar tabs and chords. Although their sound is rather generic in the worship genre of Christian music in the music industry today, they have a strong sense of passion for the worship they lead. "Water to Love" features a strong upbeat rock sound and catchy lyrics, "Take me to the river / Let me sink into your water of love / ‘Cause I just want to know that you are with me / As I walk through this life."

Notable songs on the album include the softer "Not Ashamed" and "True Worship Song," and the harder hits like "Today" and "Glory to God."

If you enjoy the likes of Delirious, The Benjamin Gate, Tree63, Jars of Clay, or any other Christian bands that tap into the worship genre, check out Peculiar People Band. They're worth a shot, even if they aren't really your style.

- Review date: 9/5/05, written by Jessica Vander Loop