FLYING CIRCUS „Seasons 1997″ / “Seasons 25”

Fastball Music & Bob-Media Distribution, 2022

Music: Progressive Rock
Website:
https://www.flying-circus.band/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063717273436
https://fastball-music.bandcamp.com/album/seasons-25
Duration: CD1 73:47 / CD2 63:51 (CD1 12 / CD 2 12 tracks)
Country: Germany

I got acquainted with the music of FLYING CIRCUS just a few years ago and since then I really respect their work. Although the band has existed since 1990, the catching up is now at your fingertips (!). And also because on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the release of the first album “Seasons”, FLYING CIRCUS re-releases this album, but in two versions (which can be purchased together or separately, although the double version is limited).

The first version of the album entitled “Seasons 1997” is a re-edition remastered in 2022, to which the music was created in the years 1993-1997. The cover of the disc is a cardboard envelope decorated with archival photos of the band.

In turn, the “Seasons 25” version is not only a re-edition of their first album “Seasons”, but it is the re-arrangement and recording of the same songs but in the period 2021-2022. And this disc is located in a digipack decorated with a new graphic design with graphics for each composition next to the texts and contemporary photos of the band.

Of course, the music of FLYING CIRCUS has its musical inspirations, for example in the 60-70s, from the regions of Hard Rock and Progressive Rock with significant influences of those times, from which hippies drew handfuls. I mean oriental (Indian) music, folk music and psychedelic themes combined with guitar and keyboard playing.

And so in the compositions on “Seasons” the most audible influences are RUSH, MARILLION, YES, PINK FLOYD, DEEP PURPLE or MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA, and even ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA.

The structures of the works are very complex, multi-thematic and spatial. The arrangements are full of instrumental variations, guitar and keyboard melodies and of course often in a virtuoso style. And the use of various guitar effects, guitar’s sounds and keyboards additionally influenced the spatiality of the music, creating various moods. Although the mood of light melancholy with a hint of psychedelia is dominant. Of course, there is also firmness and light aggressiveness woven into very energetic compositions. In addition, instrumental motifs from Indian Raga, American Country or classical music significantly increase the artistic value of the compositions.

The vocalist sings very romantic, melodic in the high registers, falsetto, with a timbre a bit reminiscent of YES. Of course, in the right places the singing is more dynamic, even aggressive and the whole vocalism is enriched with choruses and backing vocals.

Although the discs contain the same songs, you can clearly hear the differences, for example in the sound, and even in some arrangements. On “Seasons 1997”, the sound is more analog. And the bass parts are more exposed. You will also hear more sounds of Hammond organ and various traditional instruments such as tabla, darbuka and hurdy gurdy. Honestly, if I did not know that the album’s music was created in the 90s, I would say that this album comes from the 70s. The vocals are in the same key, but with a slight hoarseness.

On the other hand, the sound of “Seasons 25” is clearer, more crystalline. And the vocals are more varied, the choirs more spacious and expanded. Heavier sounds of guitars and the violins come in the right places. The Hammond organ was not abandoned, nor the atmosphere of the 70s. The material is actually fresher and more daring in terms of arrangement. There is clearly a sense of greater freedom and experience in the playing.

To sum up. Both “Seasons” albums are great gift for FLYING CIRCUS fans. And Progressive Rock connoisseurs should be delighted!

Tracklist:
CD1 „Seasons 1997 Remastered”
01. The Jewel City
02. Footprints In The Sand
03. In All Ways And Always
04. Follow The Empress
05. Seasons (Acoustic Version)
06. Antigone’s Lament And Triumph
07. Let It Be Gone (Don’t Bother)
08. Interior Monologue
09. Evening Solace
10. Supersonic Man
11. Never Again
12. The Jewel City … (Reprise)

CD2 „Seasons 25”
1. The Jewel City (Seasons 25 Version)
2. Footprints In The Sand (Seasons 25 Version)
3. In All Ways And Always (Seasons 25 Version)
4. Follow The Empress (Seasons 25 Version)
5. Seasons (Acoustic Version)
6. Antigone’s Lament And Triumph (Seasons 25 Version)
7. Let It Be Gone (Seasons 25 Version)
8. Interior Monologue (Seasons 25 Version)
9. Evening Solace (Seasons 25 Version)
10. Supersonic Man (Seasons 25 Version)
11. Never Again (Seasons 25 Version)
12. The Jewel City (Reprise)

Line-up:
„Seasons 1997”
Michael Dorp – Vocals
Markus Erren – Bass & Acoustic Guitar
Lorenz Gelius-Laudam – Electric Guitar
Harald Krause – Keyboards
Falco Kurtz – Drums, Percussions, Backing Vocals
Michael Rick – Guitars & Backing Vocals
Roger Weitz – Keyboards

Guest musicians:
Hubert Haan – Mandolin
Nicole Haelbig – Darbuka
Uli Joosten – Hurdy Gurdy
Michael Nalte – Backing Vocals
Markus Wasen – Guitar
Ralf Wilden – Tabla

„Seasons 25”
Rüdiger Blömer – Keyboards and Violin
Roger Weitz – Bass & Mandolin
Ande Roderigo – Drums, Perrcussions & Vocals & Backing Vocals
Michael Rick – Guitars & Backing Vocals
Michael Dorp – Vocals

Rate: 10/10