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One of the things that’s changed in the musical world
over the past decade is what’s called the “sophomore jinx”,
where an artist puts all their best stuff out on the first
release and has to follow that up with weaker material. Today
artists have much more flexibility as to what gets on a disc
and when it gets released. This to my mind has made for stronger
second releases because there’s no record company pressure
to put something out…it’s just the self-imposed pressure.
The net benefit of the new system is on display with the spectacular
second release from Ghost Circus entitled Across the Line.
Originally brought together by a chance meeting on the
internet Chris Brown in Tennessee connected with Ronald Wahle
of the Netherlands. Brown handles the vocals and Wahle takes
care of the drums and both perform on guitars, bass and keyboards.
It’s a set up that seems to work for them. Their first release
Cycles (2006) attracted a lot of attention and since that
time the two have been busy concocting Across The Line, a
concept CD about a man’s path from death to the hereafter.
Far from working with weaker material for their second CD,
the duo have stepped up to the plate and hit a home-run.
Musically the two craft a sound that has graduated to
reflect the style of music created by bands such as Spock’s
Beard although they certainly put their own particular spin
on the proceedings. With this release they’ve stretched their
music in a more progressive vein without losing a keenly crafted
melodic vision. These musical compositions hold up extremely
well with repeated listening providing ample humm-ability.
When it needs to be heavy they’re not afraid to add that guitar
crunch and when it needs some room to breathe they’ll put
some spacey solo keyboards up front. Sprinkled throughout
are moody and atmospheric instrumental segments linking the
eight tracks together. Many of the tracks are deceptively
short, just sounding longer, but then there is the epic “Through
the Light” (27:00) made up of eight different pieces. Ghost
Circus make no bones about being able to write a catchy tune.
Songs like “To Be” (6:05) might be just a good pop song in
lesser hands. Here they take us on a musical journey that
goes from dreamy keyboards to stirring melody to funky closing
section. Each of the compositions benefits from some very
detailed arrangements causing the tunes to ebb and flow from
accessibility to complexity. As on their previous release
the over all tone ofAcross the Line is big…call it huge…it’s
dramatic and poignant all with the point of serving the story
line.
I was a fan of the first disc and Across The Line has
simply confirmed how much I enjoy the music created by Ghost
Cycles. If you enjoy a heavier symphonic progressive rock
sound that is made up of moving melodies and rousing anthems
you need look no further. Across The Line will satisfy that
musical craving in spades.
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