Delirious? – My Soul Sings: Live from Bogota, Colombia

When you think of the live concert very few bands can match the mainstream performances of U2,  The Rolling Stones, and Michael Jackson.  They are the titans of the live stage, the proverbial blue whale in a sea full of krill.  Christian music is much the same, there are few that can do it well and can do it right.  Hillsong United, Newsboys, and Third Day come to mind, but only manage to make ripples next to the waves created by a band from Littlehampton, England.  If the ocean rolls then Stonehenge rocks when Delirious? is in town.

As we enter 2009 we draw closer to the end of the good book Delirious?.  March 24 is the bands final chapter. The live DVD/CD My Soul Sings: Live from Bogota, Colombia was recorded in front of 12,000 Spanish worshipers packed into Bogota’s MCI Convention Center, there to witness a live concert from the industries best.  Packed with a light show that truly entertains, giant screens that play some creative video images, and a set list that captures many of the bands well known songs, this package is a must for any fan.  The 1 hour 15 minute DVD is highlighted with lots of memorable moments.  During “History Maker” singer Martin Smith goes into the front rows of the huge audience and gets a Colombian flag from a fan, he then wraps it around himself and reads from the bible accompanied by full Spanish translation.  “All God’s Children” features a group of 15 children from a Spanish kids choir on the stage with the band as they perform, making the song truly memorable.  The three song encore features the song “Kingdom of Comfort” made unforgettable by all members of the band dressed in white and Martin Smith wearing a crown made of life’s comforts (which includes an ipod, cell phone, and television remote).

As the music DVD becomes increasingly popular, can more bands translate their live show to the Television?  One thing is for sure, Delirious? leaves as the big fish while Jonah is left in awe.

9/10

—Luke—

FM Static – Dear Diary

Punk is dead.  Pop punk, however, is alive and well.  Ask any skinny jean wearing, Ipod touch bearing, 14 year-old boy or girl what the kids are listening to these days and they list bands like Fall Out Boy, Good Charlotte, Hawk Nelson, or Everyday Sunday.  So the name FM Static may mean “radio noise” to anyone older than 25, but mention the name to any group of teenagers and your knee deep in 8 gig nanos.

FM Static started in 2003 as a side project of TFK (Thousand Foot Krutch) singer Trevor McNevan.   Six years and three albums later, April 7 marks the release of Dear Diary, the bands new concept album.  FM Static has always done the pop punk thing well, so there are no surprises when you put the album into your player.  A blend of clear vocals, catchy lyrics and danceable rhythms jump out at you from the first single, “A Boy Moves to Town With an Optomistic Outlook”.  Trevor’s vocal talent and creativity fit the album well and come through very clearly on tracks like “Man Watcha’ Doing”.  Steven Augustine (who founded the band with Trevor) makes the poppy, rhythmic guitar sounds sound complete in the form of very capable drumming.  I find myself drawn to the music on this album more than on any previous CD.  “Her Father’s Song” works extremely well for the band because it is something I haven’t heard.  This track is a down-tempo ballad with a really good drum line and very catchy chorus.  I also really find myself drawn to the song ”Take Me As I Am” because it doesn’t typify that old pop-punk sound.  It’s new ground and that is commendable.

Dear Diary is a concept album because of it’s lyrical themes.  Trevor has decided to appeal directly to his listening audience.  He has taken what most high school kids think about and created songs, weaving together themes of searching and themes of being out of place.  As a whole the album is not the strongest, but it doesn’t fall flat because FM Static has connected with their listeners.  That has to count for something more than just “radio noise”.

7/10

—Luke—