Album Review
Elements by Circus 66
Album Review:
Elements by Circus 66
Four years ago Circus 66 released their first album “Follow the Black Crow”; since then, they’ve not been resting on their laurels but have toured continuously and relentlessly, putting in the hard graft on the road, honing and perfecting their craft in the live crucible. And those years have certainly not been wasted, as with the release of their sophomore album “Elements”, Circus 66 have upped their game massively, both in terms of songwriting and execution, and we see a band really hitting their stride and realising their huge potential.
Take album opener “Replace the Pain” relentlessly driven by Leigh Holley who’s smashing his drums like there’s no tomorrow, coupled with Luke Ward’s tenacious, thumping bass lines. What’s immediately apparent both here and across the whole album is that there’s some really interesting and audacious musical choices being made. This is a band that knows exactly who they are, but have the courage to do things a little differently and mix things up this time around. On lead guitar, Matt Pearce’s big dirty sleazy riffs, delightful hooks and fretboard melting antics are a thing of electric beauty, but also capable of moments of serenity and restraint. Matt plays with both a power and a fluid dexterity melded with a daring imagination and grace that brings to mind such luminaries of the six-string as Nuno Bettencourt and Joe Satriani.
And above it all soars the ferociously charismatic Annabelle Zaychencko’s insane vocal acrobatics. Annabelle’s vocals have matured greatly and on this release are stronger than ever, with a rich, mellow tone delivering a powerhouse performance that complements the music perfectly. It’s clear that when Annabelle and Circus 66 are about you’re damn well going to sit up, take notice and listen…
Second track, “Save the Damn World” illustrates this perfectly. Opening with Annabelle’s scream of “these are my words, you are my people”, it’s a clarion call to arms, a glorious staccato stop-start beast of a song, with its funky bass lines a huge chorus and some fabulously groovy wah-wah guitar parts.
“Elements” has a real fire and ferocity about it with its big choruses, huge riffs and hooks; and whilst there’s plenty of speed and fury there is also space for those unexpectedly lighter moments. “Love on the Other Side” is intricately arranged, a study in light and shade, some delicate guitar in amongst the harder edges with an impassioned vocal weaving in and around the guitar lines.
There are so many tones and textures across the eleven tracks on offer here (sometimes even within the same song), that what you think is your highlight is going to change with every repeat listen. From “We All Need Saving” with its gorgeous vocal intro that explodes into a punchy, grooving riff to the dramatic “Inside The Scream” and the towering epic “This Ain’t No Heaven” all soaring guitars, intense storytelling and bravura performance, you will be choosing a different favourite every time you play it, such is the depth and range on offer here.
Circus 66 have taken the four Elements of Fire, Air, Earth and Water, combined them together and the ensuing reaction has melded them together to produce one hell of an explosive album. As a metaphor for the strengths, influences and talent of the four individual band members it’s impossible to argue with, and in fact it could be argued that those four elements are being driven by the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (rockalypse?) such is the biblically epic nature of what the band have created here.
Circus 66 were always something that bit different and on “Elements” they have pulled off the trick of retaining their unique identity, whilst pushing the boundaries of their sound and songwriting to ever greater heights. This is a bold, honest and ambitious album that will both delight long-term fans and surely bring new fans into the fold.
You can pre-order the album here https://www.circus66.com/product-page/elements
And check out the singles released so far on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/4aEfxAt6JndStAF43oRCGa...