Press

Recent Reviews of 'Kingdom Of Conscience'
CD REVIEW BY PAUL DAVIS
VINI CONTREAS / KINGDOM OF CONSCIENCE

From the start of this "Kingdom of Conscience" CD, I was drawn in. It's a gem! Unfamiliar to me, these self-penned ditties tickled my ears with their rationale thought and flowing rhyme. This super song-set is relatively unusual in themes but very competent and inspiring. This is Bob Dylanish (poetic thinking laced with guitar and harmonica) gospel material from an innovative virtuoso from California who is doubtless a grassroots trooper who displays considerable maturity. This CD is ably produced by Rocco Bucci and is sure to be welcomed by die-hard fans of 60s-style folk-troubadours. This CD will - most likely (and rightly) - extend his span of popularity. His “thinking songs” are performed in passionate mode and unadorned charm. His lyrics are married well to his competent melodies. Initially, the artist was unknown to me, but this USA release is a roots-venture commendably produced parading an outstanding folk-talent who is easy-on-the-ear. Well done, Vini!

PAUL DAVIS
www.pauldavisauthor.com www.newchristianmusic.co.uk
PAUL DAVIS - New Christian Music UK
http://www.pauldavisauthor.com/music_reviews.asp


Kingdom of Conscience
Review of Vini Contreas' New CCM CD
© Shane Werlinger
May 9, 2007
Independent musician, Vini Contreas, blesses us with his latest acoustic Contemporary Christian Music CD.

God has given each of us talents and abilities for His glory. God has blessed Vini Contreas not only with musical talent, but the ability to preach God’s word via music. Contreas’ new CD, Kingdom of Conscience, has top-notch music that brings a message to all people.

Christian Folk Singer
Contreas’ website describes his music as “thematically 60’s folk, Dylanesque.” That perfectly describes Kingdom of Conscience, on many levels.

The songs are acoustic pieces that would fit well on a Byrd’s album. One could almost expect to hear David Crosby come crooning through the speakers. Instead they are blessed with Contreas’ more than capable vocals.

While the musical style may be “thematically 60’s folk,” “Dylanesque” describes Contreas’ voice. Dylan is without a doubt a legend, but his voice is not up to American Idol standard. Contreas sounds like Dylan, if Dylan’s voice sounded good. How Contreas would fare on American Idol is another subject.

Evangelical Musician
Contreas’ heart is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If Christians had half of his fervor to share the Good News, the world would be a better place. Contreas has a message not only for Christians, but those that don’t know Christ.

Kingdom of Conscience starts off appropriately with “The Invitation”. Contreas takes Isaiah 55 and puts it powerfully to music. The book of Isaiah is filled with prophecy and this invitation is a call to follow Christ from before He was born.

Contreas shows his versatility in “Christ Crucified”. It starts off with the wail of a horn and goes into the strumming guitar with a Spanish flair. As he dazzles us with his talent, he draws the unbeliever in with his message. The song lays out what Christ did for us all and asks the question, “now that we know this, what we gonna do?”

Message for Christians
God has given Contreas a word for Christians as well. “His Truth” reinforces what every Christian already knows; the Bible is God’s truth and something they need to dig into everyday. Christians may know it, but being reminded can only help.

There are also words of warning on Kingdom of Conscience. Contreas tells Christians to “not love the world or the things of the world.” He warns that “if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in them.” The blow is softened by the mellow guitar picking and Contreas’ soothing vocals.

God is in Control
When a musician of the caliber of Contreas comes along, the Christian music scene is blessed. When that same musician lists The Almighty God as executive producer of their CD, great things are possible. Contreas has given this project to God and will reap the reward. Who knows what can happen when God is in control.

© Shane Werlinger - Suite101.com
http://christian-folk-music.suite101.com/article.cfm/kingdom_of_conscience.

Vini Contreas: "Kingdom Of Conscience"
This is an Acoustic Contemporary Christian CD. The tone is coffee-house. Originally we set out to do guitar, vocals and occaisional bass but it was suggested that a rhythm section be added and all agreed in the end, it was a good thing. All originals: 'The Invitation' was co-written with Isaiah the Prophet, Ch 55 and 'Dereks Lament' was written with Derek Moran. These two cuts showcase the rhythm section as well as 'Christ Crucified' which practically flies out of the speakers with the horn arrangements from Johnny Cash's 'Ring of Fire' leading the charge . . (thanks, Johnny). 'Kingdom Of Conscience' features Brad Cummings on Bass and Frank Reina on Drums. Vini is doing the Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals thing and we have Willie Murillo playing Trumpets on 'Christ Crucified.' Willie is Brian Setzer's music director. Frank tours regularly with Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night fame and Brad is one of the best Bass players in the world. Five cuts feature the full rhythm section, Vini does 3 cuts with Brad and one by himself. If you don't like the music, you have to be impressed with the recording. Vini tracks were recorded at Glynn sounds by Michael Gayle, Rhythm Sections in Franks room and Trumpets in Willies Garage. Michael, Frank and Willie did bang-up jobs in their perspective corners with the final mixing and mastering crisply engineered by Michael at Glynn Sounds. I'll claim responsility for the sparing production. We took the 'less is more' road. The music is thematically early folk, Dylanesque . . . but the vocals are sometimes reminiscent of CSN, (check out the intro on 'Cross of Sacrifice.') This is a great CD, well written and played. All to God's Glory!! Thanks for dropping by and taking a listen . . . . Rocco Bucci / Producer