Derek Smith and the Cosmic Vultures have a new EP `Temporary Circus: Act 1` out this month which offers a reflection on societal illusions, manipulations, and spectacles. This prolific Boston singer-songwriter has shared that “Everything feels like a circus these days: Chaotic, colourful performances and societal stages to keep us entertained and misinformed. Temporary Circus: Act 1 will challenge its listeners to read between the lines, question the spectacle, and recognize the fleeting nature of these illusions. It’s a journey through distorted realities, hidden meanings, and the fragile facades that mask manipulation in everyday life.”
Title track `Temporary Circus` leads us in and it`s a rhythmic melodic contemplative offering that reflects on possible mental health issues and maybe allowing a short space of interim remission or relief. A strummed guitar and strings leads us into `Strange Life` which I read explores feelings of self-discovery and our shared end-goal of being comfortable with who we are, despite greater forces influencing us otherwise. A tender meditative offering whose message is as positive as it`s accompanying music which has some delightful piano keys, complex guitar chords and hand percussion.
`The Puppets of Hypocrisy` has a slight Americana touch, a pulsing tuneful musing on political duplicity but with a kind of strength of resilience in the latter part. There`s a kind of dreamy tranquillity about `Some Girls` a track in praise and admiration of women and their strength, courage, and enviable unflagging spirit.
This collection of five new numbers concludes with `Indie Darling` which was inspired by a dream Derek Smith had walking through Salem, Massachusetts, waking up feeling so connected to the city and feeling free from the circus that had previously dogged his mental state. It`s a wonderful trippy upbeat offering and no better a track to end on.
`Temporary Circus: Act 1` was a delight and my introduction to this mainstay of the New England music scene and twice nominated “Artist of the Year” and “Rock Act of the Year” at the New England Music Awards. This release is what I’d deem as intelligent melodic pop, think Tears For Fears or 10CC, where you go away both mentally as well as audibly stimulated. I now have the joyful task of familiarising myself with this artists back catalogue while waiting for further Acts to follow
Rating 8.5/10
