Delirious?
“Kingdom of Comfort”
EMI Music Group
13 tracks @ 59:28
Grade = A

“Kingdom of Comfort” is Delirious? eleventh studio album and finds the band at the top of its game both musically and lyrically.

One of the inspirations for this disk was the band’s recent tour of Cambodia, India and Rwanda. A question that they were compelled to ask of themselves was “What are we living for?”

Guitarist Stu G says, “Seeing children looking for scraps on the rubbish dump they call homes in Cambodia ands the education and feeding projects in the slums of Mumbai really had an impact on us. It wasn’t possible to simply proceed with business as usual. We had to ask ourselves, ‘What are we building? A kingdom of comfort? Or a kingdom of heaven?’”

This is a record about having a purpose in life via social justice.

I love the stripped-down, U2-like “Give What You’ve Got,” which should be included on Delirious? greatest hits record. “I made some mistakes but the grace was so good.”

I need to bust out my headphones and listen to “My Soul Sings.” It is absolutely gorgeous. Stu G says, “We wanted to try and convey that feeling you get when you realize you’re part of something much bigger than yourself. The response doesn’t just come from your head or heart. . .but your very soul. . .we’re pulled towards the love at the center of this incredible universe.”

On “Wonder” and “Break the Silence,” Jonathan Thatcher demonstrates why he is one of the best bass players in Christian music.

“Wonder” is about a little girl that vocalist Martin Smith met in India and tried to adopt. Smith says, “During the process the mother decided to keep her. Of course this was the right thing and the mum is now out of the trade (prostitution) and working a normal job. It’s a simple love song; an unlikely love song, but very pure.”

About “Break the Silence,” Stu G says, “It’s much better if we find what unites us rather than concentrate on what divides us.” Remember that in this election year.

- Rob S.

www.delirious.co.uk