delirious?
Mission Bell
Sparrow Records/EMI
12 tracks @ 55:15

I’ve always liked this British band and they really come through on this record. As with previous releases, lyrically “Mission Bell” is worship and Christ-centered.

Musically this release has more of an edge. “Here I Am Send Me” has a very cool fuzzy guitar, “Paint the Town Red” is a rocker and “Take Off My Shoes” has an atmospheric, U2 quality to it. “Solid Rock,” with its blend of hip-hop and arena rock, is one of the coolest interpretations of a traditional hymn that I’ve heard in quite some time.

Martin Smith’s vocals soar above a backing chorus on “He Reigns,” which ends with a long instrumental fadeout ala The Beatles’ “Day in the Life.”

Check out Songs4Worship for an informative interview with Smith and the inspiration behind “Mission Bell.” (http://www.songs4worship.com/article.asp?ai=525&SID=060124N)

- Rob S.