Reviewed by Tony Cummings

It can't be easy stepping out as a solo after so many years of popularity and influence as frontman for an internationally acclaimed band. Do you step out there as quickly as you can or wait to creatively recharge your batteries? Do you keep your sound close to the signature sound of the band you once sang with or do you head off in a new stylistic direction? And do you step into the uncharted waters with a blaze of record company-generated hype or initially keep it low-key and independent? Timing-wise, Martin decided to wait (two and a half years to be exact) and considering the workmanlike but hardly attention-grabbing CD launch achieved by his fellow Delirious? bandmates Stu G and Jon Thatcher with One Sonic Society that seems wise. It also seems wise to start the solo career with an independent EP particularly when, as Cross Rhythms radio music selector observed, "'God's Great Dance Floor' doesn't contain an absolutely radio-friendly track." What the EP DOES contain is plenty of the power and passion that has made Smith such an arresting singer and songsmith. The opener "Back To The Start" starts as a slow building ballad over which Martin poignantly sings, "I'm coming home/Back to the start where you found me/I give you my heart again." After three and a half minutes the tempo suddenly picks up and singer and band, propelled by some soaring guitar riffs, take the song to an emotionally transcendent climax. The title track with its electro beeps and parping brass is equally good and suggests where musically Martin might go in the future if he can take many of the fans of the old Delirious? sound with him, while the female vocalist heard on the piano-driven "Waiting Here For You" is a pleasant surprise. Overall, this is a good, if not classic, start to a solo career that will go as long as this exceptional singer and songwriter wants it to.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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