Band: Ghost Circus

CD Title: “Across The Line”

Label: ProgRock Records

Label Website: www.progrockrecords.com

Release Date: 2008

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.