What to say about The Mission Bell? That it's the spiritual successor to 2002's World Service, yet stronger in diversity, lyrical content and overall songwriting? Certainly it's an accurate statement. The Mission Bell is a unique record in the Delirious? canon. Half the record is gentle, unobtrusive ambient pop that - with one regrettable exception - does not feel the need to end with Coldplay-esque overwrought bombast. Of course, the Matt Redman co-written rocker "Now Is The Time" absolutely loves the bombast and delivers it in spades, climaxing in a dramatic and inspiring bridge. Delirious? plays with listener and critical expectations as well, delivering the shockingly furious brit-pop/punk rock "Paint The Town Red" and the blues/hip-hop infused "Solid Rock," which, to this reviewer's shock, is highlighted by an appearance of overexposed former dctalk member TobyMac. Lyrically, Delirious? comments on the state of a fallen world with cynical brush strokes; finds hope in the darkness; praises Jesus with sincerity, passion and a complete lack of shame; and calls the church to 'ring the mission bell/and storm the gates of hell' in spreading the gospel as Christ called.
Regrettably, The Mission Bell is never the complete breath of fresh air it aspires to be and certainly hints at being throughout the majority of the tracks. Old Delirious? tricks and standbys, such as the loud female gospel vocals, are largely distracting and tiring. It's as if Delirious? was halfway to making the record of their career and then chose to hedge their bets. Mind, the negatives are easily outweighed by the positives; The Mission Bell is nevertheless a fine record.
For the uninitiated, The Mission Bell is one of the better records of the year, and a fine example of how quality musicianship and artistry can mingle with heartfelt and honest praise of God. Long-time Delirious? fans may feel a curious sensation known as 'Same ol' D:' but find enough fresh material here to counteract the illness. Of course, the Delirious? "fans" who maintain indignantly that the band has "gone away from God's calling" would do well to be advised that a) they are not Delirious? spiritual counselors, b) it's no longer 1997 and c) they would do well to discover God's exact calling for their own lives before dictating such things to individuals they have no
personal contact with.
Oops.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Joe MontagueMission Bell from Delirious? may be their best album yet. It opens with a great worship track "Stronger" recorded in a fashion that will appeal to fans of Coldplay. The song is really Martin Smith's testimony as he was nearly killed in an automobile accident in 1993. "I love you from the depths of my heart / And nothing here will tear us apart," Deep guitar grooves drive the second track the…The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Jonathan AvantsThe Mission Bell is a continuity of 2004's World Service, a new worship release calling believers to pick themselves up and engage the world around them. Yet The Mission Bell is also much more--a return to the excitement and passion of their earlier work, a satisfying if not fully realized stretch in musical style, and a saving grace for a great band that was arguably in a slight rut for the past…Similar sounding releases
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