As the lead singer of British Christian rock band Delirious, Martin Smith already has a long and distinguished career behind him. But when the band played their final ever show together in November 2009, many wondered what would become of this talented group of musicians. Some of Martin's former band mates have already established new careers for themselves, but for the past two and a half years Martin has remained relatively quiet. He's popped up on occasion, taking the title of producer for Tim Hughes' latest album, but one imagines it must have been a period where his musical creativity... Read More As the lead singer of British Christian rock band Delirious, Martin Smith already has a long and distinguished career behind him. But when the band played their final ever show together in November 2009, many wondered what would become of this talented group of musicians. Some of Martin's former band mates have already established new careers for themselves, but for the past two and a half years Martin has remained relatively quiet. He's popped up on occasion, taking the title of producer for Tim Hughes' latest album, but one imagines it must have been a period where his musical creativity festered inside him waiting for the right moment to be unleashed.
That unleashing has now begun as Martin Smith edges towards what looks like a promising solo career. First up is a four-song EP, titled 'God's Great Dance Floor' with the rather ominous sub title 'Movement one' installed on the artwork - promising a subsequent series of EPs later in the year. Fans of Delirious will no doubt be eager to see what the former front man can produce without the aid of his old band mates.
Opening track 'Back To The Start' begins with a few simple notes from an electronic organ and some hushed singing. This moody ballad style start instantly has that familiar sounding Martin Smith vocal that was the driving force behind many famed Delirious songs. Martin poignantly sings "I'm coming home, Back to the start where you found me. I give you my heart again". A staticky sounding slow drum beat keeps time before some three and a half minutes in the tempo lifts, the song soars, and both musically and vocally this becomes a whole new track with rapid drums and clashing cymbals, crying electric guitar riffs and passion filled singing from this experience pro.
As electo-bleeps and tweaks start to appear in the mix, Martin sings "You'll never stop loving us, no matter how far we run. You'll never give up on us. All of heaven shouts let the future begin", and you get a sense that this is auto-biographical, the beginning of the next chapter in the Martin Smith book of life. "I feel alive, I come alive, I am alive on God's Great Dance Floor" he enthuses as this party anthem really takes off with fabulous brass instruments taking the lead. It's a fantastic track that instantly sticks in your head with is sing-along chorus and energetic dance vibe.
Second track 'Soldiers' is perhaps the most Delirious sounding track of the EP. This is no remake of the ancient old hymn Onward Christian Soldiers. No, this is a fresh new pounding modern worship song. "Onward Christian Soldiers we're laying down our lives, We're lifting Jesus high. Together we are stronger, we're giving up our lives so let the Church arise". Heavy on its drum beat, laced with well worked guitar riffs and yet more brilliant vocals, this is a real unleashing of the music that must have been bubbling up inside the former Delirious man for the past few years. Thrown into the mix on this one are some delicate female backing vocals and even a short burst of a boys gang-style choir.
'Waiting Here For You' opens with an almost Adele style piano ballad feel, Martin singing along gently to the soft backing track. The female vocalist takes over for verse two, with a soft but confident voice that sets a reverent tone to this track of love. As the song starts to build from its quiet foundation it grows with volume and intensity and a beautiful melodic electric guitar is brought in, before the song returns to its simple quieted style to finish. In a similar manner, 'You Carry Me' makes use of simple keys and a soft beat to set a balladesque tone. There's even the feint sound of birdsong gently mixed in alongside the pleasant piano sound.
Overall it would probably be fair to say that this EP hasn't fallen too far from the Delirious tree. All the components of classic d: are in there - strong drums, top class guitars, worship focused lyrics, and a passionate singer who can make a song either soar or stoop. It's never easy carving out a solo career when you're known as 'that' guy from 'that' band. Expectations and history don't always sit easily alongside a new direction and approach. But somehow Martin Smith has manage to capture some of that creative spark that kept Delirious apart from other bands, whilst still setting in place a new journey that he hopes fans will follow him on. This first 'movement', as he has called it, certainly looks like the start of something exciting.
Review by Dave Wood
LTTM Rating 4.5 Out of 5 Tracks Standout Tracks
Back To The Start
Soldiers
Former Delirious? lead singer Martin Smith launches his solo career this Friday, 2nd March 2012, with the release of his debut solo EP, titled 'God's Great Dance Floor', and his first solo concert at St Peter's Church in…
Nearly two and a half years after British rock band Delirious? performed their final concert together, former lead singer Martin Smith is preparing to launch his solo career. Martin will launch his first solo EP, titled 'God's…
As he begins a fresh chapter in his career as a solo artist, Martin Smith is still better known as the lead singer from British worship band Delirious? It all started back in the early 1990's when Martin teamed up with studio…
LTTM's Dave reports from former Delirious lead singer Martin Smith's first solo concert in Brighton, launching his debut EP 'God's Great Dance Floor'. On a cold November night in London back in 2009, the British institution…
