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Summer comes and almost goes, and we're greeted by the fourth studio album release from Britain's top Christian band,
Delirious? As suggested by the cool cover pic, this is a group that is moving on, constantly stepping into new places. It will surprise few people, then, that "Audio Lessonover?" has a different approach to the heavier, guitar- and synth-soaked sounds of
"Mezzamorphis" or the pure rock-worship genius of "Glo". Musically varied and inventive; emotionally intense and personal; spiritually deep and engaging - this album has
an accessibility which will give it appeal to both die-hard Christian fans and 'secular' music lovers alike. Most arresting of all is the charm and strength of Martin Smith's lead vocals - you hear him
give his all on every song, such commitment being everywhere thoroughly compelling.
We've already heard the seaside pop of
'Waiting for the summer'; those fortunate enough to catch the d:boys on Bon Jovi's UK summer tour will also remember the equally infectious pop-rock of 'Take me away', currently hitting big-time on mp3.com's
music charts and set, perhaps, to be the band's next major hit single. The theme of these doting love songs takes a more pensive stance on slower ballads such as 'Rollercoaster'
, with it's intriguing shuffle programming, the bizarrely-titled 'Bicycle gasoline' and Martin's soft, floating 'There is an angel', dedicated to 'Anna', the love of his life.
A more God-focused romance is expressed on 'Love is the compass' - featuring a strings section and a chorus that borders on the worshipful - along with 'A little love', whose unhurried, poetic verse
bursts suddenly into a catchy group-vocal hook-line. Then: 'Loving you is the only way / Living you is my every day'. Lyrics of such spiritual profundity appear subtly or overtly in many places; viz. the edgy,
intense 'Alien' ('Only your love can make us one / Jesus you're brighter than the sun'), or the heavier, brooding sound of 'Fire' ('Watch it coming from the sky / He's riding in on his chariot of
fire').
A global vision comes over on ‘America', a call for world compassion where Martin poses deep, philosophic questions. More ponderous still is the 8-minute, uncluttered
'Stealing time', with it's plodding beat and chilling instrumental backing. This moving, meditative piece reflects on those things which are most precious in life, referring primarily to He alone who gives life,
peace, joy and fulfilment:
'I remember love's first days / Precious moments, we had all the time in the world /
Still you thrill me, still you heal me / Still need a lonely day with you sometime'.
The album closes with a short, acoustic bonus-track written and presented by Stu G, rounding off a 60 minute set of true musical aptitude and integrity. You'll love these songs - despite their
diversity, almost every one possesses that typically catchy Delirious? chorus - powerful, swaying, melodic, wonderfully sing-a-long. Undoubtedly moving at a steadier pace than their '99 blaster, it is clear that
this creative band is still 'mezzamorphising' into new, explorative forms. Predicting just what shape the next venture will take is a purely speculative (though interesting!) task. Meanwhile let us brighten these coming
autumn days with the desirable sounds of this 'Audio' gem!
Review by
tom lennie - August 2001 |
