Martin Smith - God's Great Dance Floor - Movement Two
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Title:
God's Great Dance Floor - Movement Two
Type:
Album
Released:
01 Jun 2012
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Review
Having emerged from the settling dust of his career as the lead singer of Delirious, Martin Smith returns with the second part in his series of solo EPs. 'God's Great Dance Floor - Movement Two' continues to be the creative outlet for Martin's songwriting.
"These EPs are almost like my journal, that I'm documenting what's happening in my life through this transition. I want people to know how it feels, what's going on", explains Martin. So, the insight carries on through the four new songs on this new EP.
Opening track 'Awake My Soul' starts with, slightly unusually, the sound of a...
Read More Having emerged from the settling dust of his career as the lead singer of Delirious, Martin Smith returns with the second part in his series of solo EPs. 'God's Great Dance Floor - Movement Two' continues to be the creative outlet for Martin's songwriting.
"These EPs are almost like my journal, that I'm documenting what's happening in my life through this transition. I want people to know how it feels, what's going on", explains Martin. So, the insight carries on through the four new songs on this new EP.
Opening track 'Awake My Soul' starts with, slightly unusually, the sound of a glockenspiel playing a jingle where you might normally expect a keyboard. A snappy rhythm is matched by the vocals sung in almost a rap, but not quite. This leads to the central chorus, "Awake my soul be lifted up, be lifted up." Co-written with Chris Tomlin, the song changes mid-way through as the pace picks up and that familiar intense singing from Martin rings out. The song slows again with a gang vocal quietly in the background as Martin sings "Love is in the air, when you're whispering my name, love is in the air."
Pacey exciting drums and guitars introduce 'Fire Never Sleeps'. The echoey riffs float in and out of the mix in that U2 vibe that Delirious perfected over the years. In fact it's the most Delirious sounding song yet from Martin's solo material, with a big rock band sound that brings a smile to the face of any fan of Martin's previous group. "Burn oh my soul, set me on fire" he sings with angst. The bridge adds an unexpected twist in the tail of the song as the tempo changes completely, "Purify my heart... Spirit fall on us", which leads into a fabulous guitar and drum instrumental piece before the chorus repeats again. A truly stunning song that belongs on the stage in front of a raucous crowd.
Third track 'Safe In Your Arms' starts quietly and slowly as Martin sings with just an acoustic guitar for accompaniment. "The Lord is my Shepherd, through darkest night, though evil surrounds me You defend my life". It's a gentle prayer to God, pure and heartfelt. As Martin repeats the chorus of "I am safe in Your arms" more instruments are eased in, as first drums then keyboards blend beautifully to make the song soar to a glorious crescendo as Martin continues to sing from the heart in a personal outpouring to God. Another wonderful moment on this EP.
Final track 'Catch Every Teardrop' starts with an inward look at the serious car accident Martin was involved in just as his career with Delirious was starting. "I fell asleep at the wheel, had a car crash. Don't know how I got here. I spun around and lost my way, thought I'd thrown it all away, cried a river through the longest night". As you would expect, there is a solemn and emotional tone to the song, as the keyboards and guitars play moodily in the background. By the time the song reaches the chorus it's clear that this song is more than just a reflection on that terrible incident. "Catch every tear drop, then will you catch me too". With lyrics that could be applied to anyone who's been through a difficult period of life, this is a moving and earnest end to the EP.
As he continues to trickle out new songs through this engaging series of EPs, Martin takes us along on the journey of reflection and rediscovery that he is moving through in his own life. Once again, these songs are thoroughly worth a listen.
Review by Dave Wood
LTTM Rating 4.5 Out of 5 Tracks
Standout Tracks
Fire Never Sleeps
Safe In Your Arms Articles
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