Join The Circus
Souls Of Tide
•
December 19, 2016
If you've ever wondered what other kinds of music Metalheads would like to make on their downtime, then look no further. SOULS OF TIDE, a band that was formed in Norway in the year 2014, includes a bunch of Metalheads who combined forces to form a band and to record a different type of album and the result is a Classic Rock album called, "Join The Circus". The album has widespread, generous use of the Hammond that was so prevalent in bands of the 70's. There is a Bluesy/Rock feel to the album and is peppered with catchy lyrics, memorable guitar melodies, and clean singing. The band released their self-entitled EP, "Souls OF Tide", in the year 2014 and has followed up that effort with a full-length debut album. There are noticeable influences of DEEP PURPLE, RAINBOW, and other greats of the 70's Classic and Rock'n'Roll bands. This album almost feels like an homage to those bands and seems like an updated version of the bands from that age.
"She's Dead", the opening track of the album, gives away the bands intent right from the beginning with an organ-backed riff right at the onset of the song. The vocals are strong and hit the right pockets, in terms of melody. The middle section of the song is a slower bit with bluesy twin guitar. That's when the organ comes to life and is back-ended by a soaring guitar lead solo. "Once Again" is another song that seems right at home in the Classic Rock genre, with the lyrical content also having hints at the 70's influence that this song reeks of. The chorus is a memorable one and the timing of the entire song is perfect. There is not a dull moment in the track and the band fills up the song with brilliant melodies. By the time "Easy Love" comes on, the band has sufficiently demonstrated their musical chops and has hit their stride. This is another rocking track that keeps the listener engrossed, and as with the other tracks, this one is a short, tight, compact song, clocking just over 3 minutes. The chorus is meant to be sang out loud and is tailor made for audience participation. "Prisoners", the last track of the album and another brief anthem, is birthed as a ballad before the distorted guitars usher in the bridge. There are plenty of empty spaces in the track, punctuated by skilled guitar work. The latter half of the song is when the band lets go and the songs move along briskly with tear-away guitar work and blazing organ backing it. The song ends rather abruptly, just when things were getting a little interesting, and for once, I was left wanting more.
The album contains 9 tracks that are easy to listen to and is well executed. The songs are modern Rock songs with a high dose of seventies groove. The band has worked on creating a tight set of songs and it is a pleasure to listen to it. There are heavy parts, slow ballad bits, sky-high guitar solos, and more than competent vocals. There were parts where I felt that the pronunciation could have been worked on, but I was too much in a good mood to complain. The band has showcased their talent and is a bunch of extremely talented musicians. The band has mostly played in their native Norway and I hope that they get an opportunity to share their music with the rest of the globe. This one is for fans of the glory days of Classic Rock and all its clichés, which usually puts people in a good mood. It certainly did it for me!<
8 / 10
Excellent
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Join The Circus" Track-listing:
1. She's Dead
2. Join the Circus
3. Once again
4. Devils
5. Spray-Tan Magic
6. Easy Love
7. Faith
8. Calm water
9. Prisoners
Souls Of Tide Lineup:
Verger Larsen - Vocals
Anders Langberg - Guitars
Ole Kritian Østby - Lead Guitars
Kjetil Banken - Hammond
Tommy Kristiansen - Drums
Øyvind Strõnen Johannesen - Bass
More results...