This week we have a very special review of a release that is not even
scheduled yet, but will hopefully come this summer. delirious?, for nine
months now, has had their Audio Lessonover? disc out in the UK and the rest
of the world, but it has yet to hit North America due to Sparrow Records'
whining that it is not the best-selling delirious? worship style. However,
we think that this rock album is a very unique and amazing album. If you do
not think you can wait, we recommend importing yours!

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AUDIO LESSONOVER - DELIRIOUS? (2001)
by Rick Foux

Music redefined? Whoever heard of such nonsense? Surely it couldn't have
happened...

Oh, but it has. Ever since Brit-boys Delirious? arrived on the scene they've
managed to criss-cross the worship and rock genres unlike any Christian
artists before them. As if we weren't already captivated, the band has
enrolled in another music lesson; one that will redefine their music and the
future of Delirious? themselves. Class is in session. It's time for an Audio
Lessonover?

The upfront truth about this latest offering is that upon its U.S. release
it is not likely to be well-received, which is a shame. If you dive in
expecting anything similar to Glo or Mezzamorphisis, prepare to be
disappointed. As the record's title implies, this is totally untouched
territory for the band. However, this new venture works out for the best, as
AL?'s thirteen tracks are some of the most innovative and exciting music
Delirious? has ever created. Need proof? Simply insert the disc into your CD
player and be swept away by the tidal wave that is "Waiting For the Summer."
Don't worry about lack of quality; Martin Smith's vocals and Stu G's guitar
are as vibrant as ever, and the sunny performance by the rest of the band
will immediately have listeners hooked. Roll over to "Take Me Away" and be
immersed in the essence of British rock as Delirious? "takes you away" to a
vivacious ballad singing the praises of love. Are you lost yet? Never fear,
for "Love Is The Compass," and the needle always points toward God on this
unhurried, Newsboys-like tune. The ingenuity of Stu G. radiates through
"Alien," which begins with a steady pulse of rhythmic strumming and
escalates into a downpour of extraterrestrial riffs towards the song's
climax. Eventually the storm dies down, and Martin Smith, accompanied by a
pleasurable piano solo, passionately sings about his "Angel In Disguise."
The band soon picks up the slack as Smith acknowledges the love of his life
that God sent to him, who because of her unconditional love and faithfulness
takes on the form of a celestial being. The "angel" returns later on an
equally similar ballad entitled "There Is An Angel." "Rollercoaster" then
pulls listeners through a sleepy, dreamlike melody with a few twists and
turns of its own, plummets into a musical sinkhole, and loops back around to
where it started. "Freedom people make this sound" is d:'s call to arms on
the high-octane worship anthem "Fire." Stewart Smith's thunderous percussion
performance plays an important role here, and Stu G's blazing guitar links
it all together as Martin blasts "I, I, I believe / that the fire is here
today / I, I, I believe / now the smoke and the ice has blown away."
Temporarily inheriting the spirit of the Beatles, "Bicycle Gasoline" glides
along smoothly and exhibits Delirious? keeping true to their British roots,
while in the early stages of "A Little Love" they masquerade as Pink Floyd.
As soon as the somber lyrics and melody rapidly fade away, the boys break
out with the unambiguous reminder that "all you need is love, just a little
love, to bring us through." "Show Me Heaven" brings out the glamish, All
Star United side of the band (no wonder ASU has been confirmed as support on
the 2002 Fire Tour) complete with screeching guitars, a "Take it, Stu G."
tag line, and a powerful unmatched guitar solo, at least on this album.
Before the tragedy of 9/11 even occurred, d: had penned a beautiful,
patriotic aria not only for "America," but for the rest of the world as
well, proclaiming it "too young to die." After the traumatic events that
took place on that fateful day, the band unselfishly decided to release the
song for download on mp3.com, praying that it would offer hope and peace for
those who suffered loss, and even for those who hadn't. It continues to
fulfill its mission on Audio Lessonover?, pleading with listeners around the
globe to "sing a new song." The final track finds Delirious? "Stealing
Time" - as much as they possibly can. In fact, the tune hauntingly
progresses for a near solid eight minutes with a chilling keyboard
augmentation that sends shivers down your spine. Additionally, there's an
abstract bonus track written and voiced by Garrard, "Making Art," hidden
long after "Stealing Time" is finished. It also takes the form of a familiar
Beatles' tune, but adds to the overall diversity of Audio Lessonover? and
finishes it off on a humorous note.

While the theme of love is repetitive on AL?, there's no reason why any
normal d: enthusiast should get bored with the CD. Remember, along with
God's precious gift of love come the other blessings faith and hope, which
abound in plenty throughout the disc as well. Furthermore, Audio Lessonover?
is an album that is just as mainstream friendly as it is to the CHR market,
so don't be surprised if the band scores some big hits in the secular realm.
Keep in mind that just one brief spin in your CD player probably won't be
enough to appreciate this release; subsequent listens provide more time to
let the artistry sink in and allow a greater understanding of the disc as a
whole. Once you do, you'll easily see why Delirious? has aced their latest
music lesson.

Find out more about delirious? on cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/rock/delirious


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OTHER NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM
Feature: It's ONLY $3.99
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/only3.99

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http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/invention

Review: Declaration - Steven Curtis Chapman
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/stevencurtischapman/declaration.shtml

Views: Privilege and Persecution
http://cmusicweb.com/views/index.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, APRIL 2 (at cMusicWeb.com or at your local store)

DOVE HITS 2002 - VARIOUS
Capitalizing on nationwide primetime Dove Awards this year, Sparrow puts out
a collection of some good tracks in Christian music this year

IN CHRIST ALONE - BECKER, BRENNAN, HOGG
A rather quiet CD, Margaret Becker joins her Irish friends Moire Brennan and
Joanne Hogg for a collection of new hymn-like music with an Irish flair.

O2 - TONEX
After over 4 years of no music, Tonex is back! Hip-hop at it's best!

OUR LOVE IS LOUD - PASSION
For years, the Passion name has been known as the best of modern worship.
Our Love Is Loud definitely lives up to that expectation, but offers some
more. This album includes more new music from Chris Tomlin, Charlie Hall,
and David Crowder than other past releases, so you are sure to hear songs
that you probably had not caught yet. But, if also includes worship anthems
such as "My Glorious" and "God of Wonders." So, it's our PICK OF THE WEEK!

SLICK SHOES (self-titled)
As it seems all the Tooth and Nail bands are going for the self-titled
albums right now, but Slick Shoes continues to deliver quality rock,
including the amazing track "Alone."

SOUL MUSIC - WOODY ROCK
A member of mainstream hip-hop collective Dru Hill, Woody Rock branches out
on his own doing his amazing Gospel hip-hop, which includes appearances from
Gospel Gangstaz, Mary Mary, and BBJay, among others. Definitely not to be
missed for hip-hop/gospel fans!


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View all the latest stories on cMusicWeb.com:
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Dan Ficker
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a different approach to music
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