ROAD TO PLANET CIRCUS

Hey, now here we are on the 'Road To Planet Circus', with a whole lotta groove on board. Without exaggeration I can say that MAD FELLAZ from Italy are belonging to my favourite contemporary bands. This due to the offered sophisticated songwriting skills, either resulting in a rather complex eclectic attitude, however also being highly melodic and catchy in the same way. Also, what you can rely on, they are not repeating themselves with every new album. All in all, on this occasion they are tending to the more accessible side, which is including proper Jazz, Pop and Funk imprints, However, hereby they never ever will completely leave the main orientation, the progressive rock paths. The band's line up hasn't significantly changed compared to their previous third album from 2019. And so the album sees a core of seven musicians this time, additionally supported by a bunch of guest appearances. That also includes excellent news, because lead singer Luca Brighi is involved again. His voice has evolved to a real trademark in the meanwhile, eh, I dare to say, just in the way it exemplarily was with David Longdon for Big Big Train. Where all the lyrics are in English language completely, as usual.

The Animal Spell kick-off comes with a prog typical repetitve motif, at some point Luca Brighi enters the scene with his accent-free vocal appearance. Free As A Dog then is tending to a pop rock appeal featuring some calypso touch, but also fantastic guitar solo activity everywhere around. Jokepot was the first track to be offered prior to the album release, rather wind instrument dominated, and provided with nice straightforward grooves, still a favourite of mine. And then somebody has formed a spendid a capella ensemble, just for letting it Rise Again, very touching! Finally Tennouheika No Sakura looks like a contribution for or from Japan, but I couldn't detect any translation for that. This album offers eleven exciting new songs again, great vocal arrangements, skillfull instrumental presence. So much potential available regarding those MAD FELLAZ, still! Now I'm eagerly waiting for the day to see them live in Melle-Buer.