Brian Howe got massive recognition when he replaced legendary frontman Paul Rodgers in classic Rock icons BAD COMPANY in 1985. Already credited as the voice behind Ted Nugent's "Penetrator" album (1984), his years with the British Rock monsters paved the way to commercial appreciation. Having already released "Tangled In Blue" in 1997 (it was re-released with one additional song as "Touch" in 2003), this year the warm voice of Brian delivers a second effort named "Circus Bar".

Bearing in mind the style Brian Howe is dedicated to resembles to some of the British Hard Rock sound, let's get straight to the point: in "Circus Bar" we feel relieved by the vocals done by Brian. Warm, passionate and mature singing is the signature for a singer now running 25 years and more of career. Else, in a series of mid-pace tunes there's not much for a hardrocker to expect since most of the tracklist bears a new Rock pattern making Brian sound like a more liberated Bryan Adams or 'modern' SEVENTH KEY or STAGE DOLLS. Don't get me wrong, we do not talk about bad moments in this new solo work but truth is the demanding energetic Hard Rock fan may find the whole album quite flat ("If You Want Trouble" excluded). The guitar leads spit fire here and there while the sound of the rhythm guitars could be described as 'unexciting', I'm afraid.

This album is for relaxation, it is for the gentle moments of your day, and could be a good soundtrack while driving on the highway. Still, if you're dedicated to more solid and hardened sounds I do not think you'll escape giving a yawn...

P.S.: The renditions on "Holy Water" and "How 'Bout That"? Teasing...
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