The Prayer Chain Biography
The Prayer Chain is a Christian alternative rock band that formed in Southern California in February 1990. The original lineup included vocalist Tim Taber, guitarist Andrew Prickett, and bassist Eric Campuzano. Initially, Taber also played drums, using drum machines until Wayne Everett joined later that year to take over percussion duties. The band played their first show on October 31, 1990, opening for the Altar Boys at their local church in Yorba Linda, California. Their self-released debut, The Neverland Sessions, was recorded with Steve Hindalong of The Choir and featured the top-five single I Believe, which led to a contract with Reunion Records. This partnership produced the Whirlpool EP in 1992 and two full-length albums: Shawl in 1993 and Mercury in 1995.
Shawl defined their aggressive, grunge-influenced sound, while Mercury marked a creative shift toward shoegaze and neo-psychedelia, exploring themes like spiritual distance, broken relationships, and longing for communion with God. Produced again with Hindalong, Mercury’s recording was strained by internal tensions, particularly due to creative differences between Taber’s pop leanings and the band’s experimental direction, contributing to their 1995 breakup. After disbanding, the members remained active in the Christian music scene. Taber founded Floodgate Records, releasing projects by Cool Hand Luke and The Myriad, and later started Transparent Productions. Prickett, a prolific producer and co-founder of Northern Records, played with The Violet Burning, OneRepublic, and CUSH. Campuzano performed with Starflyer 59, The Lassie Foundation, and CUSH, and released drone projects under the name Charity Empressa. Everett sang for The Lassie Foundation, played with Starflyer 59 and CUSH, and released solo albums KingsQueens in 2003 and Two Ghosts in 2020.
Though their active years were brief, The Prayer Chain left a lasting imprint on Christian alternative music, appreciated for its depth and artistic integrity. They reunited for shows in 1998, 2000, 2003, 2015 (as CUSH with Taber), and 2018, connecting with longtime fans. Their influence reflects a unique period where creativity, faith, and vulnerability found a distinct voice. In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Mercury, The Prayer Chain is scheduled to perform the album live at the City National Grove of Anaheim on September 27, 2025, with special guest Mortal.