Review

1 Samuel 16:7 says “. . . The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Do not . . . I repeat, DO NOT allow yourself to draw conclusions about this band based on their name, their looks, their music, or anything else. The simple reason that this is the best album to come out since Delirious’ “The Cutting Edge” is the HEART of the band. They have a tremendous desire to move the heart of God with their worship (and their worship leading). All other outcomes of this endeavor are secondary.

This is really a coming out party for the Circus. Since deciding, in 1999, to forsake the trappings of rock ‘n’ roll stature (even Christian worship leading stature), they have toured exhaustively, recorded two CDs, been featured on another, and gone on a missionary trip to Kenya. None of the above was done for the sake of their church, their ego, their wallets nor for you and me. Their reason for being has been to draw closer to God, to please Him. Now, with “Welcome. . .” they, ironically, find themselves poised at the threshold of the very thing that concerned them about the recording industry. They are about to capture the attention of the known world.

Combining a pleasing mixture of power pop (I hate that word, but it will fit most everyone’s paradigm), mid-sixties fun and straight ahead blazing, the Circus will find itself compared and contrasted to a diverse musical crowd. You shouldn’t even bother yourself trying to figure out who they sound like or if it’s “your kind of music”. You just need to have this album. Figure out a way to get it done. Don’t eat lunch a couple of days, go without that movie this weekend, make do with convenience store coffee this week. Whatever. . . You MUST have this CD. I don’t care if you’re 65 years old or what your denomination is. I don’t care if you like hymns or choruses. This is the one album to get (and give).

Every time I hear the beginning strains to “The Undiscovered” I get chills. I just want to crank it up and dance through the house. But, it was after hearing them do it at a worship service (concert?) that I really appreciated the content of the song. “And I can see the color white, so bright the earth trembles. There is a cloud around His throne that veils the undiscovered. . . Let all creation see, all of creation see. . .” The imagery, taken (presumably) from John’s Revelation, is graphic, sonic, mysterious, questioning and yet certain. It strikes a chord with so many of us who are tired of posturing as one who knows, preferring the stance of one who is coming to know, faithfully following the giver of love.

The CD leads off with “Loving You”. The guitar work by Solo is incredible and reminiscent of… NO, I promised I wasn’t going to do that. Suffice it to say that others of similar talent and expression are household names. Solo is 18, and he’s been playing the guitar since he was 2. Vocalist Gabriel is amazing. He gives off such a positive vibe. He wants to worship Jesus with you. He wants everyone to know that the worshipers (that would be you and me) are the circus. We’re all a part of the experience, not just them. Gabriel’s lovely wife, Blur, has an eclectic array of synths and moogs and midis, with which she can not only pepper you with spacey little loops, but hold down the low end like nobody’s business. Don’t tell her that the band needs a bass player! You’ll never know there’s not a guy standing in the back thumping a bass guitar in 4/4 time. Drummer Zurn, the only one with a “worldly” rock and roll experience, brings an “older brother/fatherly” maturity to the band. He’s seen the excess of the business. He now exhorts the others to continue to dig deeper into the Word. He leads by example during their times of worship. He can often be seen at concerts playing with one hand, while the other hand is raised heavenward. I could go through other songs on the album, but, really, writing about them can’t do them justice.

It’s the band’s heart that will capture you. Did I mention they have heart? And even though this is an awesome recording, they’re like the legendary bands, secular or not, that are great recorded and even better live. Do not EVER miss a chance to worship with them. This is one of those bands that you’ll keep hearing about. You can get their CD now, or you can wait and get it when all your other friends have told you about it. The choice is yours. I recommend that this CD be given our highest rating: Editor’s choice.

Reviewed by: John Ausmus

Editor's Note: Having seen the Worship Circus band lead worship a number of times, and absolutely loving this new album, I couldn't agree with the review by John more! And I took John's advice, and gave this great album an 'Editor's Choice' award! Great work Worship Circus- the universe of worship music just expanded. - Kim Gentes, Editor of WorshipMusic.com