Crashing into the UK album charts at the much-lower-than-expected position of 25, Mezzamorphis should assure most listeners that delirious? are still very much faith-inspired in their songwriting. The theme of heaven dominates from the very start.
Musically, the sound is much richer than on the disappointingly dry King of Fools, and the fuller soundscape moves away from the strong U2 feel, towards a sound which shows a clear Radiohead influence as well as more of the symphonic feel that has from time to time reared its head in the British pop music of the past two years. The Radiohead influences don't come through directly on a regular basis, but there are often little passages which have a touch of Jonny Greenwood's guitar tone, such as the guitar break on "It's O.K." or the verses of "Pale Reflection," and Martin Smith's vocals do from time to time bear a Thom Yorke-esque inflection.
The band's key mistake with this album seems to have been the decision to produce it themselves. Without the steadying hand of an external producer the sounds are often over the top or labored and still don't have the spark one would expect from a band that so many people are excited about. This seems to be a recurring problem on delirious? albums, and the band really need to hook up with a talented producer who will pull from them stronger and more original arrangements. "Gravity," for example, has an infectious chorus and could probably be a strong single if it were rearranged, but as it is the sound shifts from one idea to another far too quickly to really establish the song.
"Bliss," due to be the second single from the album, is probably the standout for me. The guitar is heavily processed and sounds very space-age, and the vibe is suitably consistent and driving to give the song an edge which many of the others lack.
The US version of this release contains two tracks not on the UK release, "Jesus' Blood," and a remix of "Deeper," but regardless of track listing the committed fans worldwide will snap this album up without a second thought. It would be nice if next time delirious? could hook up with a good producer and show us what they can really do.
3 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #79Reviewed by John DiBiaseIn 1996, with the release of Eric Champion's album, Transformation, the advertisement taglines were always "Forget What You Know." Well, with 1999's new June release of deliriou5?'s Mezzamorphis, ironically, the same tagline could apply. So, basically... forget what you know. 1998 saw a tremendous stage entry for this British-based band. You couldn't be at Creation without seeing something with…ReAL Magazine 1999Reviewed by Timothy Paul YenterMezzamorphis is the best album Delirious? has made to date. It worships through lyrics that are insightful, prophetic, encouraging, and honest. They probe into themes essential to the Christian faith--communion, salvation, social responsibility, hope, and love--with a sincerity that gives substance to their work. The album is noticeably focused on the topic of heaven. From the opening songs 'The…Exit Zine 1999Reviewed by Joel ThomasForget what you know about Deliriou5?; drop any preconceived notions you may have about their new album, entitled Mezzamorphis. Martin Smith, lead singer, says in the press release accompanying the album, "A lot of you have been asking, 'Well, is it like Cutting Edge, is it like King of Fools?' Well, I don't think it's like any of them really. It's a big step for us as a band. It still definitely…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Keith Giles"I'm on the mezzanine floor, never been here before...but I'll get to heaven," sings Martin Smith on the opening track of the long-anticipated Mezzamorphis, the band's third collection of all-new songs. While Martin readily admits that this is an album exploring musical territories which the band has never visited before, the problem is that most listeners have been here before. Delirious may…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Eric DaamsFor weeks I'd been reading rave reports of Delirious?'s latest offering. I expected a dramatic change from their previous work, something that would absolutely blow me away. It didn't. To tell you the truth, I was a bit disappointed but the change that I'd read all the reports about wasn't as radical as I expected. Take King of Fools, add a few distorted guitars and synths, and you get…Similar sounding releases
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