A God That Can Dance

Album Review

The important new CD, A God That Can Dance, takes the big view. Dealing with the struggle to survive in a surprisingly upbeat and life-affirming fashion, this triumphant disc is the best example yet that in facing death, one can also confront the larger issues of life and ultimately find peace. The result is a masterful album about immortality at once intensely personal, yet broad in its sheer pop appeal.

Born from the quote by Friedrich Nietzche, "I would believe only in a god that knew how to dance," the album is a showcase for the considerable talent that has driven the dream career of the L.A. musician.

A mix of prayerful, comforting ballads and rockers dealing with tragedy, surrender, rescue and the Great Unknown, A God That Can Dance is a testament to faith in eternal life, a look past suffering, and an embracing of the infinite.

Delph has crafted a big pop/rock sound reminiscent of U2 and Tears For Fears, blended with the stirring vocal soul of Sting and Peter Gabriel, with a little Avalon-era Roxy Music thrown into the mix. The production is slick and engaging with vibrant, passionate, melodic tracks performed by a crack backup ensemble.

Delph has created some of the most upbeat, positive, life-affirming and spiritual rock music you may ever hear. Songs dealing with anger ("Mad at God," which is punctuated with screaming sax work), sorrow, and finding strength lead to a poetic and otherworldly, new age-style climax with the pensive album closers "Breath of Life" and "Dance at the End of Time." Delph makes death into a beautiful thing by removing the fear and replacing it with faith and hope. It's a remarkable journey for modern ears and hearts. "If you need help/If you need help/Just call," the finally whispers as the album fades into the windy ether.