SONIQ CIRCUS

Soniq Circus was an original idea of guitarist Marcus Enochsson and drummer Andreas Hanberger from Lund, Sweden, eventually forming a band named Telepilot 380 in late- 90's.However Hanberger would quit the next year and Marcus had to see his dream passing through numerous line-up shakes before coming true.Drummer Christer Ugglin and bassist Markus Nilsson became permanent members instantly in 2002 and 2004 respectively and in 2005 lead vocalist Calle Lennartsson was added in the line-up.In the meantime the band's fame was growing through several gigs and demos, having changed the name to T3.The latest addition was keyboardist Mathias Beckius in 2006 and T3 signed with Progress Records.Hansi Cross, the manager of the label, suggested them to change their name, so Soniq Circus were born and their self-titled debut saw the light in 2007.

The main aim of Marcus Enochsson since starting this project was to play energetic and dynamic Progressive Rock, influenced by the Classic Prog acts of the 70's.The result was partly in this vein, as Soniq Circus play some sort of powerful Heavy Prog with multiple breaks along the lines of BLACK BONZO, maybe a bit more modern, and URIAH HEEP, but with more apparent doses of complexity in the sound.The album is a fine blend of vintage memories and modern technology, sounding very fresh and passionate all the way and offering a fair amount of sudden breaks and changing climates among the series of inspired grooves.There is also some excellent vocal work by Calle Lennartsson to be found throughout the album, who has quite an impressive vocal range and really interesting color in his voice.Some cool Mellotron and organ moves stand next to the innovative use of synthesizers, resulting a damn good delivery, while the guitars are always in evidence.Add some symphonic textures to the overall powerful but still clearly proggy approach of Soniq Circus and you have an album full of tireless and rich Progressive Rock.

This is a band with huge potential, although their influences are coming constantly on the surface.Still this is pretty nicely-played Progressive Rock of great quality.Warmly reccomended.