CIRCUS OF WIRE DOLLS

If you're not familiar with the crossover prog band Rocking Horse Music Club, Circus of Wire Dolls is an excellent place to start. Few things grab one's attention like an epic double-disc rock opera packed with special guests.

The album is the brainchild of songwriter and producer Brian Coombes, who runs Rocking Horse Studios in New Hampshire, USA. Along with his fellow bandmates (mostly other resident musicians at the studio), Brian invited a long list of guest musicians to bring the many characters of this rock opera to life. These include Amy Birks, Tim Bowness, Caroline Carter (Miss NH 2017), Evelyn Cormier (American Idol), David Cross (King Crimson), Kenwood Dennard (Brand X), Chris Difford (Squeeze), John Hackett, Greg Hawkes (The Cars), Noel McCalla (Mike Rutherford/Manfred Mann), Kate St John (Dream Academy), and Rob Townsend (Steve Hackett).

"On the surface, the record tells the story of a man who creates a miniature circus out of wire, string, and cloth," Brian explains. "But it's really about a man looking back at his life, his work, the people who entered and exited his world, his successes, his failures, his regrets."

At 95 minutes and 22 tracks, Circus of Wire Dolls offers an abundance of music, cutting across multiple genres. Prog influences abound (think Genesis, Rush, Pink Floyd), but there are plenty of other musical styles woven in, making it even "proggier." The album hits a sweet spot for fans of melodic and accessible prog?think more Tommy, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, or Jesus Christ Superstar than Operation: Mindcrime by Queensrÿche.

This album is easy on the ears, with no fillers, and it's clear that an incredible amount of care and effort went into its production. It's one of those rare albums best enjoyed as a full journey, from track 1 through track 22. The sound is warm and lush, augmented by orchestral instrumentation and rich backing vocal arrangements. Vintage keyboards, including mellotron, optigan, celeste, and the famous Mrs. Mills and Challen pianos from Abbey Road, contribute to its distinctive sonic palette.

While the list of guest vocalists is impressive, special recognition should go to the band's three resident singers, who do a fantastic job?particularly Justin Cohn in the lead role of PT Wolfe. His falsetto-infused voice is a highlight. A standout track, "0300" (Oh-three hundred, i.e., 3 AM), showcases Justin's vocals and Brian's songwriting. While not the most overtly "proggy" song, it's a memorable centerpiece.

As you'd expect from such an ambitious project, the album artwork is equally striking, featuring the storyline and full lyrics to help listeners follow the characters and who is singing each part.

If you appreciate melodic and accessible crossover prog, Circus of Wire Dolls is a hidden gem that deserves your attention.

A sprawling concept double album, or more appropriately, a prog rock opera featuring a wide variety of musical styles. Never heard of them? Well, not many have. Rocking Horse Music Club is a music collective/collaboration based out of Rocking Horse Recording Studios in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, USA. The primary contributors are singer/songwriter Brian Coombes, a veteran prog musician/producer and owner of the Recording Studio; Justin Cohn, singer/songwriter/guitarist, and singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Patrick Gochez, and supported by Brendan Harrisiades (bass), Myron Kibbee and Mike McAdam (guitars), and Eric Wagley (drums), as well as numerous other local, regional, and guest musicians to fill out the instrumentation and sound. The music tells the story of a man who has spent a good portion of his life creating a miniature circus of figurines made of wire, string, and cloth. As he nears the end of his life, he imagines the dolls each telling their own stories, with human thoughts and emotions, which actually reflect aspects of his own life. Thus, the story is told from several different voices (and featuring a series of guest vocalists). On the surface, it is the story of a miniature circus, but it's really about a man looking back on his life, his work, the people, his successes, his failures, his regrets. The different voices also provides the opportunity for many different musical styles. But whether or not you follow or are moved by the compelling story, it is the music that is the show here, and it is quite wonderful and breathtaking throughout. This expansive collection features 22 songs, ranging in length from 1 and a half to 8 and a half minutes each, for a total of over 95 minutes of music (which really doesn't even seem long at all because the songs are so good throughout). Guest artists include: Amy Birks, Tim Bowness, Caroline Carter, Evelyn Cormier (American Idol), David Cross (King Crimson), Kenwood Dennard (Brand X), Chris Difford (Squeeze), John Hackett, Greg Hawkes (the Cars), Noel McCalla (Mike Rutherford/Manfred Mann), Kate St John (Dream Academy), and Rob Townsend (Steve Hackett). Overall, because of the variety of styles, it is a bit hard to categorize or compare to other works (genre-defying?), but the closest may be somewhat along the lines of a concept album by the Alan Parsons Project, featuring light melodic progressive rock, with much pop, rock, and symphonic influences, as well as musical theater, chamber pop, and aspects of jazz and blues, and even a taste of glam rock thrown in. Although it has an original sound, there are brief glimpses of many other bands that pop up, including Genesis, Pink Floyd, Coldplay, Queen, Supertramp, The Pretenders, John Lennon, among others. Overall, the songs are touching and beautiful, with great melodies, themes, and recurring motifs. Of particular note is the impeccable production, arrangements, and attention to detail, always with the seemingly best combination of instrumentation and musical flourishes that are just right for each song, whether that might be strings, horns, clarinet, or whatever, and always most tastefully done. This is not an album that will hit you over the head, but in so many subtle and emotional ways just works immensely well, with just wonderful, beautiful songs throughout. All the songs work here, whether it is a tender duet ballad, such as Would You Be My Downfall, or the more raucous shot of glam rock in It's Not About You. Thus the list of best songs could go on and on, but I have narrowed it down to those I love the most. A truly wonderful album, that needs more love and respect.

Best tracks: Animate in 5/8, So Little Left, Cut From a Different Cloth, It's Not About You, 0300, SY22, Burn, All Shall Be Well, Every Show Must End, To Reach the Other Side, Flowers in November, and really all the rest. Rating: 5 stars