CIRCUS

Not to be confused with the English progressive jazz-rock band of the same name which released a single album in 1969, this CIRCUS emerged in Basel, Switzerland in 1972 and released three albums during the latter half of the 1970s before finally sputtering out in 1982. The band defied the odds and enjoyed a fair bit of success as a prog band in the late 70s when most of the bigger bands had jumped onto the pop rock bandwagon or called it quits altogether.

Switzerland may not have been known for its sheer quantity of prog rock bands from the era but where they excelled was in the quality of some of the acts that this nation produced and along with the band Island, CIRCUS is by far the best prog band that Alpine nation hosted during the golden years of prog. CIRCUS was formed in 1972 and consisted of Marco Cerletti (bass, bass pedals, guitar, backing vocals), Andreas Grieder (flute, alto saxophone, backing vocals, tambourine), Roland Frei (lead vocals, acoustic guitar, saxophone and Fritz Hauser (drums, vibraphone, percussion).

CIRCUS really stood out from pretty much any other prog band and used the time between their formation and the release of their self-titled debut album which came out in 1976 very well. This band produced some of the most complex arrangements of the 1970s and is most famous for its sophomore album "Movin' On" which is one of the most magnificent specimens of prog ever to emerge however even on this debut CIRCUS was firing on all pistons with powerful arrangements that meandered all over the place. This first album is a lot dreamier than the second but still managed to capture a unique essence that sounded like no other.

Part of CIRCUS' idiosyncratic charm was the instrumentation. This was one of the few bands that got away with no electric guitars and instead relied on Marco Cerletti's unique bass playing skill, sound altering pedals and other tricks of the trade. In this way they were very much like Van der Graaf Generator however on this album there are acoustic guitar flavors and lots of crazy demanding flute runs which reminds me more of Gnidrolog. The compositions on the other hand are more akin to the complex conservatory styled bands from the Argentinian scene such as M.I.A. or Crucis however no matter how many comparisons one can attempt, CIRCUS still to this day sounds like no other. Having said that there are also many aspects of Lizard-era King Crimson incorporated.

Unfortunately this debut album often gets ignored but for those who really love challenging complex prog then this one is simply a must. While the short "Stormspieler" starts things off on an atmospheric dreamy tone, the album slower ramps up through the wildly complex arrangements of the 11-minute nowadays and 7-minute "Sundays" before finding a more energetic release on the 5-minute "Dawntalk." CIRCUS really were masters of dynamic shifts with dreamy chilled atmospheric soundscapes that could suddenly burst into classically infused rock heft. This dramatic juggling of dynamics guarantees that this one will surely fly past all but the most attentive listeners keeping focused on every twist and turn but for those who crave such raucousness this one doesn't disappoint.

The highlight is the closing 15-minute "Room For Sale" which fearlessly embarks on one of the most adventurous prog journeys of the entire 70s save the band's even more outrageous adventurism on the band's sophomore album. This track features the most wild bass grooves that change at a moment's notice, fluttering flutes that are both sensual and on steroids and sparse atmospheres that are accented by jazzy outbursts, keyboard heft and even ethnic fusion. While the flute runs oft evoke bands like Jethro Tull and Gnidrolog, they never enter those territories. The instrumentation is excellent as each musician has found his own space to craft counterpoints and there is really no central groove as the entire tapestry of sound is woven together in different notches of tension.

This is another one of those albums where the low ratings don't do it justice and one of the most magnificent albums to be heard. It's symphonic prog, it's prog folk, it's somewhat jazzy and overall very eclectic. The complex arrangements take it over the top as this is some of the most difficult music to wrap one's head around. The album is mostly instrumental but offers plenty of vocal opportunities which somewhat grounds it from becoming too alienating and abstract. With this debut CIRCUS still stands out as one of the most unique sounding bands in prog and should not be overlooked for the perfection of the following album "Movin' On." Perhaps a bit TOO abstract for many trying to latch onto a clear melodic flow but guaranteed to please those who love a challenge when listening to heady nerd fueled prog.