Review

Meet Gabe, Solo, Blurr and Zurn… They’re from Longview, Washington… They are young, fashionable, and Christian… They made an album, and, while they hope you like it, they didn’t make it for you. They made it for God. If they sell no albums but move the heart of God they will say they have accomplished what they set out to do.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Worship Circus was born when these four talented musicians, all pursuing their own musical careers, heard from God to stop wasting their time “making music to move the hearts of men”. Instead, God told them to “make music with the intention of moving His heart, and only His heart”.

This is one of the most unique albums I have ever heard. I don’t want to string a bunch of superlatives together, but you really owe it to yourself to check this band out. I was going to say that they’re not for everyone, but I have to admit that the first time I listened to it I thought it wasn’t for me… and now I have to hear “The Undiscovered” and “I Will Wait” every day. This is a rock and roll Christian worship album. It doesn’t try to tame itself to fit into the familiar box that is “Sunday morning worship”.

It hits the ground running with “Ride”, furiously exclaiming God’s power to carry you farther and faster towards the person He has in mind for you to be. RRWC’s influences are varied and diverse, but lead singer and guitarist, Gabriel, will say that the Violet Burning has long been a favorite of his. Blurr, who plays key bass, inserts creative and inspired synth noise, a la Depeche Mode, as well as holding down the bass lines. Solo’s lead guitar runs the gamut from tight crisp pop sensibilities to outright pedal to the metal blazing. Durn’s drumming brings to mind the likes of Zepplin’s Bonham.

Listen to “Blood of Jesus” to hear how the band can have you dancing in the aisle and understand the basic tenets of the gospel in 25 words or less. “The Undiscovered” brings to mind Pink Floyd, circa Brick in the Wall days. There is a driving guitar and drums, harmonic synth, crunching bass and an economy of words that fearfully and wonderfully proclaims the Revelation of St. John.

You will delight that this album is not one same song after another. You won’t figure them out. The band doesn’t care, either. Read the liner notes (which I would give an award to if I knew what category liner notes would be in at the Dove awards) and you’ll see why this band is uncompromisingly focused on moving the heart of God.

As I write I am listening to the song “I Will Wait”. This song characterizes the lyricism displayed here. “You feel so far off, maybe you and I should take some time and realize our situation…. And I will wait… wait… yes, I will wait for You… yes, I will wait for You, Messiah.” There have been many other songs about waiting on the Lord… but this song has an edge to it and the word “Messiah” makes all the difference.

Do yourself a favor and get this album and play it loud!

Review by John Ausmus