Shadow Circus is a fresh New York's progressive rock act formed by 5 skilful musicians, which are delivering through their confident and colourful performances a remarkable first album. The shining guitars and the catalytic contribution of the keyboards working in with some appealing vocals are for the most part their technical virtues. As for their influences, look for the 70s or 80s prog scene (Yes, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Marillion etc) or in the modern prog rock artists like Frost, Jadis or even Flower Kings. Yes I know it would be impossible for me not to fall for this! In fact they combine with ease prog's golden era with the new, guitar based, prog sounds. Their ability to perform complicated yet so accessible and memorable songs due to their melodic approach is really remarkable.

Take for instance the opening track. David Bobick sounds like a cabaret or circus performer with such a theatrical attitude, while the song turns to be a rocker. Great stuff in any case. There's not a single track here that falls short. On the contrary, the rhythm, the tempo and the mood are always changing. Jazz, hard rock, space rock guitars, astonishing keys in the ELP way, they are all merge magnifically. Listen to the "Journey Of Everyman" and its 5 min overture and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Finally: An album full of timbres by a very promising group. With a more qualitative production in the future, they'll be capable for even better accomplishments.