If albums were miniseries
Delirious would have an epic here. Britain's finest Christian band has released a disc that stylistically fits somewhere between their 1998 praise and worship offering Cutting Edge and their last rock venture,
Mezzamorphis. Often being compared to
U2 both musically and dynamically, the comparisons will undoubtedly continue here. With this release,
Delirious commands the same sonic intensity as any
U2 release over the past 15 years. Throughout the disc
Delirious boasts what they call spontaneous parts. These parts are monikered "Glo In the Dark 1 thru 4." They are four interludes that are a continuation of four different songs. "God You Are My God" is a truly inspirational way to kick start a disc. The song starts courtesy of chants from the Monks of Ampleforth Abbey which fuses into a worshipful blasts of praise. "God's Romance" and "My Glorious" remind us that this band can make a gritty rock statement. Both cuts feature a chunky rhythm guitar punctuated by the apt vocals of Martin Smith that seem to resonate on alterna/rock grooves. "Investigate" is a plea for purity: "Investigate my life and make me clean/Shine upon the darkest place in me." The tune builds from acoustic guitar to electric frenzy.
Delirious adds one of their spontaneous parts at the songs end. Instead of an unfulfilling rant the band delivers a musical and emotional climax that peaks with Smith's effect laden vocals. A solid bass groove and trippy guitar riffs create a barrage that ends with whispering Smith vocals putting a potent stamp on the cut. "Hang on to You" is a pure pop driven melody. The tune is audio adulation to God. Martin's vocals are mixed out front with an undercurrent of meaty guitar chords bolstering the songs effectiveness. With "Awaken the Dawn" the praise and worship continues. The tunes chorus shows lyrical reverence. Following the cut is another spontaneous moment. Here
Delirious hits musical stride with strings, synthesizers, and bagpipes. Never being a band to shy away from the power of Christ, "Jesus' Blood" ends the disc nicely. The band utilizes the Arun Community Choir to sing to the heavens. There's another spontaneous moment to end the disc: here,
Delirious utilizes the effectiveness of a string quartet and piano, bringing the disc to an end with an emotional fervor.
Glo is an insightful journey of pop-craftsmanship. The songs are musical excursions, a momentous crusade that covers lots of holy ground. ~ Steven Losey