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The Circus has circled back through town with a fantastic new record (its second major-label release in as many years) that contains a host of new material showcasing the band's ability to marry classic/alternative/space rock and worship-oriented lyrics. A Beautiful Glow follows in the footsteps of its predecessors (2002's Welcome to the Rock 'N Roll Worship Circus [Vertical Music] and the band's 2001 independent album Big Star Logistics), begging the buyer to purchase the album again and again to share with friends.

The record's glorious title track opens the Worship experience and leads the way for other new Circus classics, including "Blessed Tune (We Will Sing Forever . . . One Day)" and "All I Can Do." Intermixed between unmistakably RRWC stylings are some fun Beatlesque tunes ("Morning Glory" and "Great Big Love"), the sublimely spooky "Scary Drifter" (think "Oggo Click Cross" from Big Star Logistics), and the modern rocker "New Wave Revolution" (a la Skillet).

Among the gems of this album are "Love Colour," a reenergized version of a previously quirky acoustic track from the band's 2000 Little Star Logistics EP; "Gift of Cool," featuring OMC "How Bizarre"-style spoken-word verses and an extremely catchy chorus (sounds cheesy, but the band makes it work fabulously); and the epic closing track "Loveliest Bride," which includes some swirling sitar (Beatles again) and absolutely amazing drumming by Zurn.

Though this album lacks the consistency of Big Star Logistics, the band has again generated a fine record of passionate, rocking praise. With A Beautiful Glow, the Rock 'N Roll Worship Circus continues to boldly step forward as the voice of a new generation unafraid to fully open their hearts and lives to God.

Be sure to pop the disc into your computer to check out a slew of exclusive on-line extras, including MP3s of previously unreleased B-sides, as well as great reading content about the band.

Greg Adams 9/4/03