CIRCUS

Flairck's 3rd studio album is another successful excursion into symphonic songwriting with acoustic instruments. As the title suggests, the theme of the album is circus music. It makes the album sound a lot happier and more playful then the two preceding albums. Because of that it's somewhat less suited to my taste but the quality of the material is undeniably strong.

Flairck never sounded more like an acoustic version of Mike Oldfield then on the opening track De Overtocht. The mix of accordion, acoustic guitars and soft pastoral melodies comes right out of Hergest Ridge. But this is an album celebrating circus music and halfway in the pensive mood is broken by a fast and playful onslaught of themes with carnival and travelling fair music for inspiration. The dashing pace and virtuosic sequence of circus scenes almost doesn't let off. Only Act 3 and the final track show a quieter and more introspective style.

I have yet to get acquainted with Flairck's output from the 90's, but looking at their first decade this is their last fabulous album before they would lower their profile and ambitions on the following 80's albums. Cirkus isn't as overwhelming as their first two albums but still an excellent album. Highly recommended.

The third album by Flairck follows in the same footsteps as their debut album + probably their second album too. Symphonic acoustic folk music. A blend very few others than Flairck do.

The theme here is circus music. And a circus it is. It feels like lions and tigers are lurking in the shadows while the acrobats does their art in the center of the tent while kids are watching with big eyes and wonderment. This album perfectly brings us the happy happy circus feeling.

I am not that overawed by the quality of the music. I have to admit I prefer the slightly reflective and more somber side of Flairck too. But the standard of the musicianship here is well above what most other bands is able to do. Hans Visser's acoustic guitar playing is from another planet. The violins and the other instruments, all acoustic, is excellent too. But still.......... I would not brand this album as a great album. But I still like it a lot and I do recommend it. The best song here is Es Vijf where the tempo and the music is more reflective and toned down than the rest of this circus music album songs.

Hence.......

3.5 stars

In 1980 Flairck released their classic live album ''Live in Amsterdam'', a show that meant to be among the last contributions of Peter Weekers to the band.When he left, his place was taken by Annet Visser, while the new line-up became complete with the addition of Ted de Jong, the man could play various percussions, the xylophone, the sitar, the vibraphone and several other traditional instruments.The new formation of Flairck returned in 1981 with the album ''Circus''.

You should forget about the deep dives of the band into Chamber Folk and Classical Music, because this third album sounds more like World Music mixed with Ethno Prog, borrowing elements from nearly every possible corner of this mighty planet.Four lengthy tracks, all of them clock at over 10 minutes, exhibiting a wide range of acoustic instruments and several traditional musical styles as well as the standard interplays heard in Flairck's musicianship.At this point they sound like a less-focused MANEIGE, they shared the same taste for an affair between Folk Music and Fusion, creating emphatic instrumental interactions with lack of a vocal content and producing rich, all-acoustic soundscapes.On the other hand the material here contains so many national sounds and sights, that becomes a bit directionless at moments, while the music becomes hard to follow due to a very academic approach.These lovely symphonic interludes have been significantly reduced and instead you get a multi-ethnic proposal, which has its own charm, but leaves much to be desired.Echoes of Eastern, Andean, Balkan, Mediterrenean, Country and Spanish Music can be heard at specific moments during this Folk/Fusion orgasm of different colors, but I guess I am among the few people considering that this ends up to be rather messy.The performances are trully virtuosic and flawless, no doubt about it, and Flairck had to be one hell of an all-acoustic mini orchestra back at the time, but ''Circus'' fails to deliver the great feelings of the previous albums.

So, some strange situation here.I think the instrumental execution belongs among the very best ever to be displayed by the Hollanders.I just believe the result is rather chaotic, unfocused and ultra-professional for casual listeners.At least the title of the album was really succesful and the cover art is among the best you can find around.Recommended for lovers of Ethnic Music and Acoustic Prog...2.5 stars.