The general consensus is that veteran bands are , by now, supposed to have respectfully moved aside for the new generation. These younger upstarts are supposed to be taking music into more exciting and creative directions. Mow maybe it’s just me, it usually is, but whenever I hear the vast majority of younger modern bands they all seem to sound like bands of the past. I accept there are always exceptions to the rule but the amount of acclaimed newer bands today just sound like lesser versions of our original heroes.
Bands like should just be touring their “greatest hits” is what many would have you believe. Fortunately whilst the band are more than happy to give their live crowd more hits than they can handle they current have a creative studio itch that they keep scratching which is producing some high quality additions to their sublime back catalogue.
The latest cherry on top of the career cake is Circling From Above, the band’s 18th studio release and the first for twenty years without bassist Ricky Phillips. His role was taken by Terry Gowan, brother of keyboardist/vocalist Lawrence.
The two minute title track is the opener that could act as good set opener in the live environment. It shares a kinship with the ethereal side of a Roger Waters-less Pink Floyd. It bleeds nicely into the up-tempo “Build and Destroy”, complete with a classic James Young guitar solo. It’s a track that sets the tone for the album nicely. The album explores themes of human ambition, technology and nature, often within the same track.
Every track on this album feels cohesive yet part of a wider musical ideal and like The Dude’s rug in The Big Lebowski, the third track “Michigan” really ties the room together does it not?
At differing times the album is jazz-infused, fiery rock, progressive but majestic in its melodic mindset. Nothing illustrates that more than “The Things That You Said” which is a glorious track, utilising the very best of the band’s harmonies.
“Blue Eyed Raven” is a classy slice of late night latin acoustic funk that shows the band enjoying themselves as if they were in their mid-20’s.
Many bands of a certain vintage will be happy to live off former glories but Styx are determined to press ahead and earn new glories. Circling From Above achieves just that.
Donnie’s Rating: 8.5/10
