It is a pleasure to hear such a creative worship album, augmenting elements of Sigur Ros with Bright Eyes, Arcade Fire with Sufjan Stevens.
It's always great to discover a new band or artist. Every time an album from a new name is dropped in to the CD player (or these days, into the Itunes library) there's that moment of expectation, fascinated hope; could this be a fantastic new discovery, a new favourite record, or is it going to be another addition to a long line of over-hyped disappointments? I'm happy to report that, in "Circus of Love" we do indeed have a fantastic new discovery on our hands.
Benjamin and Stephanie Dunn run JoyRevolution, an organisation through which they live and share their lives with the poor. Circus of Love is the latest iteration of Benjamin's expression of life, love and hope. Fusing songs of worship to our King with others touching on more earthbound themes, this album is a joyful nu-folk/pop/alternative/indie collection sure to make your heart sing, your feet tap, and your eyes sparkle.
"Heart Strings," "Melody of Salvation" and the title track are all jaunty, almost gleefully summery pop songs, whilst "Smile on Me" takes things in a more guitar-driven dance-pop direction. All of these tracks would make strong radio singles, and have powerful, easy-to-digest messages to share. Later in the album, Leap Like a Deer is a countrified folk song of devotion, while the folk instrumentation of You're Everywhere is especially pleasing. It is a pleasure to hear such a creative worship album, augmenting elements of Sigur Ros with Bright Eyes, Arcade Fire with Sufjan Stevens. Basically these are unusual songs, performed in an unusual style, but with plenty of pop hooks and nous to please even the hardest of heart. Seek out this disc if you want to smile as you worship, and support the fine work of JoyRevolution.