| CD REVIEW Dexter Jones' Circus Orchestra |
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Band: Dexter Jones' Circus Orchestra Dexter Jones' Circus Orchestra’s third album is definitely a more consistent and even album than their second Side By Side. The group replicates all the strengths of the debut, but is a little tighter and a little more professional. It also reveals that the band, under the direction of songwriter Tia Marklund, is developing a truly original voice. Every song is masterful, filled with great melodies, fantastic interplay, rich soaring flowing textures of guitars and the vocals especially the harmonies are really good.The main improvement would be the addition of ex-Josiah guitarist Mattew Bethancourt. The musicianship is consistently good, the rhythm section blending effortlessly into the background yet underpinning the songs perfectly whilst the three lead guitarists work their magic. It's hard not to thrill at their harmonizing lead interplay. The album opens with a dark organ/vocal intro ”If bars could bend” that kicks into the powerful opener “I’m a dog, but you’re a hound”. The groovy rocker is among the best songs since the massive crunchy groove makes it impossible to stand still. There a couple of songs that will stand out as immediate and catchy when listening to the disc for the first time. “Little man” nods its head vigorously in Thin Lizzy’s direction. There is so much guitar to be found here, galloping away with feverish thunder and unfurling riffs with a fiery splendor. „The monster by your side“ is southern bluesy-toned, warm, with just enough of a ragged edge to give it character and credibility. The harmonies are rich and tight and oozing with melody, very 70s style and reminiscent of Thin Lizzy, James Gang, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cream,... If Light Can't Save Us I Know Darkness Will is absolutely delicious, addictive and beautifully created. 92/100 cosmicmasseur. |