CIRKUS

Yes, I remember knocking off stars from Änglagard's albums for finding them too derivative. Also the vocals didn't help them really. And yes, I realize that Sinkadus is not only highly indebted to Änglagard but that they also aren't gifted with the most easy-going vocals. Following my own logic, I couldn't possibly rate this above 3 stars right? Yet I gave this album a solid 5. So, have I lost it? Am I not consistent? Should I be demoted to newbie? Or am I simply returning a favour to Sinkadotentree for introducing me to this charming low-profile band?

The reason is that, even though I tend to be critical towards things retro and everything that looks like style-exercises, this album is simply too good, overwhelming even. With every listen I have found myself being soaked deeper and deeper into this imaginative piece of music. For symphonic prog fans, it isn't a particularly difficult album to get into, yet it takes time before all its intricate power and secrets will entirely reveal themselves.

Sinkadus sound very much like Änglagard and offer a Swedish mood-mix of Camel's Mirage, Genesis' Nursery Cryme and early King Crimson, featuring lots of vintage equipment such as moogs, flutes, hammond and mellotron. The sound is very natural, organic and direct, with a very solid foundation of tasty bass and drums. Depending on your point of view, you could either call them old-fashioned and retro or authentic and timeless. However, the quality of the musicianship and song material can't be denied. Add the vigorous performance to that and my vote swings in all positive directions.

Each of the 5 pieces here has so much things going on that a full description of all themes and song developments would take up an entire page. To give an impression, Jag Anglemarks Bane has a big cinematic introduction, reminding me quite a lot of the majestic moments of the first two albums from Ange, one of my favourite symphonic rock bands. That's a nice point they score here right from the start. The vocals are a bit awkward at first but they play a minor role and have gradually grown on me. On Kakafonia for example, the vocals are slightly processed through some voice effect device and the result is just excellent. Valkyria is a highlight amongst highlights, very adventurous, soulful, warm and melancholic. The album ends with big washes of mellotron that go through a chord modulation that reminds me very much of the vocal line from Genesis' Seven Stones, the .. only grieves him, Believe him part. Not a bad quote at all.

Cirkus is an album in a recognizable classic symphonic style and it's honoring classic prog rather then cloning it. When done with so much flair, passion and inspiration, 4 or 5 stars are easily deserved. Even within the symphonic prog sub that is crammed with essential material.