MOVIN' ON

In December 1976 Circus played at Hans Huber Saal of the Stadtcasino of their homecity, celebrating not only the Christmas coming but also their 75th live concert.Among the pieces performed the band presented a brand new epic track, ''Movin on''.This was meant to be the centerpiece of their upcoming second album, recorded in May 1977 at Sinus Studio in Berne and released the same year again on Zytglogge.

The first side contains four tracks, where the serene side of GENESIS and some slight theatrical, singing vibes meet the complex arrangements of VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR, unleashing influences from Jazz, Classical and Folk Music.The peaceful, almost symphonic atmosphere of the displayed flutes and acoustic guitars prepare for the dominant saxes of Andreas Grieder and Roland Frei, giving space to some sinister instrumental themes with jazzy underlines, the music is suprisingly rich at moments and even becomes powerful with the addition of electric bass and drums.The arrangements are impressive with a dramatic tone and some mellow textures, these two combined reveal a unique atmosphere, starting from singing poetry and ending up to haunting, instrumental textures.The long title-track of the flipside evokes the music of compatriots ISLAND.Almost perfectly arranged Prog Rock, which often reminds of KING CRIMSON's early days, drawing influences also from early-70's Psychedelic/Prog Rock.It's a piece full of cosmic flutes, throbbing bass lines and strong use of vibraphone, passing from light symphonic moves to powerful jams with sax, bass and drums in the forefront, twisting between pastoral themes and majestic, jazzy Prog Rock and containing endless interplays and instrumental battles, occasionally to be interrupted by vocals in the style of GREG LAKE.

Second Circus album places the band among the top Swiss Prog acts of the 70's.Atmospheric, complex and imaginative Prog Rock, which constantly alternates between smooth atmospheres and dark and dense music, despite its mainly acoustic instrumentation.Highly recommended.