It is great when a band breaks out of the norm and tries to do something truly original, even if it doesn't necessarily turn out as well as it might have. Rock and Roll Worship Circus has endeavored to do something fresh and exciting with their first full-length, Big Star Logistics. The band's name is very descriptive of the music they create: rock and roll with a worship focus.
The band really has two distinct sounds that they use on the album. There is the good-old-flat-out rock and roll, and then there's also the atmospheric, guitar-beautified rock sound. The straight-up rock hits you on the opening track, "Ride," and continues in songs like "Party Song," and "Come On, Get Down." These songs sound good, but not as good as the band sounds when they experiment with the atmospheric as they do on "Space Angel." Falling somewhere between the sounds of Starflyer 59 and Violet Burning, the song is incredible with its high-soaring guitars and breathy vocals. Another standout track that employs this same style is "The Undiscovered." On the softer side, "Sweet Jesus" is another wonderful tune.
On the album's ninth song, "I Will Wait," we are suddenly hit with female vocals. They sound good, but why are they introduced so far into the album? They become rather prevalent from this point in the album to the end. All of the songs on the album are great, but there is a lack of unity and cohesiveness between the tracks. While the first eleven songs are all related lyrically, musically there is not that same bond. The last three tracks (twelve through fourteen) are not worship songs, but bonus songs that show some other style songs that Rock and Roll Worship Circus can do. These are good songs too, but again do not contribute to any unity between the songs on Big Star Logistics.
The tracks on Big Star Logistics could stand on their own, but together create somewhat of an artistic mess. Buy the album, make MP3s of the songs, and listen to whatever track you feel like listening to at a certain given time. Rock and Roll Worship Circus is making some great music with a wonderful message to it. Given time I think we will see some great things from the band.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Andy ArgyrakisI have to admit I'm getting tired of seeing one worship project after the next pop up in the Christian music scene. It seems like everyone is making a worship record these days, and countless compilations are being released to re-package and financially capitalize on some of this generation's most beloved church songs. Thankfully, I can't lump The Rock and Roll Worship Circus in with the same…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Ken MuellerCurrently there are about seven million worship CDs on the market. Of that number, about three million are marketed toward the younger generation as "alternative" worship. But until now, all of them have been posers. The Rock and Roll Worship Circus is the first band that truly captures both the heart of worship AND the heart of rock and roll. Rather than just being a selection of choruses…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Kerry MaffeoLike other bands before them, modern rock band Rock 'N' Roll Worship Circus throws their hat into the ring of bands exclusive to worship music, with the hope that their efforts and their hearts for worship will show they aren't just another band hoping to cash in on the collective spiritual yearning of people across the globe, but are serious about their faith. Big Star Logistics pulls together…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Brian A. SmithRock N Roll Worship Circus is like listening to an alternative radio station--then you realize all of the lyrics are about God. "Party Song" is a mix between Bush and dada, while "Space Angel" is influenced by Radiohead. The female vocalist on "I Will Wait" is an Alanis Morissette/Jennifer Knapp combination. "The Undiscovered" sounds like an updated version of Pink Floyd, and "Sweet Jesus" is a…Similar sounding releases
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