Year of Release: 2008
Label: ProgRock Records
Catalog Number: PRR480
Format: CD
Total Time: 69:33:00
Ghost Circus is a two man project that is separated by an ocean. Chris Brown lives in the USA and Ronald Wahle in the Netherlands. In 2005 they released their debut album, Cycles. Unfortunately the debut did not make a lasting impression on me. When I received the follow up, I was curious if this would have a different effect on me.
After giving the band a second chance I must say Across The Line sounds a lot better to me. It is a concept album this time and has generally a somewhat heavier sound. That is mainly because Chris Brown loves the heavier guitars. Despite the distance, they manage to lay down a solid rhythm section for the songs.
The first part of the album is fairly straight forward and safe music: heavy guitar oriented prog rock. Still, there is enough variation, so it is quite enjoyable. Besides, it is not all Chris Brown. Ronald Wahle offers some great keyboard parts, like the opening part of "The Calling." Still, I would have liked to hear some more keyboards, as the guitar is quite dominant and in some songs, like "Through The Darkness," a bit too much. This is not one of my favourite songs on the album.
The second half of the album I like a lot better. A highlight is the epic "Through The Light," which is divided into 8 sub-sections. More keyboards, still some heavy guitars, but all together a great and varied piece. And … the more than excellent closing and title song, "Across The Line"!
All together, Across The Line is a very good album. Not much experimenting, but solid, heavy music. Brown's voice does not stand out that much, but I like his singing.
My verdict, will I buy this album? Hmm … not sure. It is a good album and I can recommended it, but I am not sure I would buy it myself. Maybe if I give it more time, I might like it better. So, if you are willing to invest time to get "into" the music, you might want to pick it up. After all, I played it for some time and I like it better than when I first heard it. So it is a grower.
Tracklisting:
Reflection / Pathway / Holding On / To Be / Losing Time / Through The Darkness / Through The Lights (parts 1-7) / Across The Line
Musicians:
Chris Brown - vocals, lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass, keyboards
Ronald Wahle - drums, percussion, keyboards, rhythm guitar, lead guitar
Discography:
Cycles (2006)
Across The Line (2008)
Genre: Progressive Rock
Origin VA
