HANDMADE HOUSE

TRAVELING CIRCLE are an interesting new trio on the scene who offer modern psychedelic prog music, mixed up with some popular sentiments and worked out in a rather sophisticated way. So we have ten entertaining songs included here on 'Handmade House', mainly recorded with the standard instrumentation guitar, bass and drums. Only three songs additionally show piano, organ and cello contributions. Consequently you can't expect a very lush sound - the emphasis is on elaborated and compelling compositions.

On Cylindrical Time they are acting very relaxed first and Dylan Maiden's treble voice is immediately striking. The song evolves to something tricky later with surprising twists and turns and the typical fuzzy guitar style which accompanies you over the course of the complete album then. Some Things attracts my attention due to Josh Schultz's interesting drum work where Bang Twig And Stone obviously refers to 60's psychedelia provided with some Jimi Hendrix reminiscences.

Some songs are tinged with popular moments, for example the charming Wooden Eyesand Cloak My Trove which are additionally decorated with electric piano and organ. The trippy Eve Falls is the first killer song in my opinion where I wished they would let it flow for a longer time, maybe reaching for the ten minute mark or so ... if ever, this eventually might be reserved for their live performances. Similar feelings are catching me when listening to Note Drops by the way. Two extraordinary tracks according to my taste.

Released by German Nasoni Records 'Handmade House' is a nice neo psych prog album which has the focus on compact songs. Extensive jamming is excluded although the songs often have a subtle trippy attitude. Really successful for a debut, however I'm sure we can expect more and even better stuff from this talented guys in the future - 3.5 stars.