SONIQ CIRCUS – Reflections In The Hourglass (2011)

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2011 so far has been a really good year for prog-related releases, but also has been the year in which mostly all the best rock music came from Sweden.
Soniq Circus are in that wagon and their brand new album “Reflections In The Hourglass” is simply brilliant.
When Soniq Circus’ self-titled debut appeared in 2007 the band was then compared with A.C.T. and Saga. Since then the group has changed the keyboard player and songwriter / guitarist Marcus Enochsson took the microphone.
Now Soniq Circus style has evolved into a captivating mixture of classy prog rock blended with a melodic hard rock sound, not metal for sure, the edge is there but polished and lush.

“Reflections In The Hourglass” is a concept album about time and the events that somehow modify our lives.
The story involves a man who awakens at 3am and starts to think about his life and the decisions he has made. The journey takes us an hour of real time until 4am when the protagonist… I do not want to reveal more. But you can listen each track randomly and enjoy these great tunes perfectly.
We can find many memorable moments on this always interesting and never boring album, as the bombastic rhythms on “Inside the Hourglass 3 am”, the dramatic intro to “Actor” or the soaring (awesome) synth solo in “Learning To Talk”.
“Shadow Dance” distinguishes itself from previous titles by introducing for the first time some quieter passages and many sound effects to add variation.
More highlights include the one-two combination of the classically influenced keyboard piece “Childbirth” and the modern day epic “By The Heartshaped Lake”, both conveying many different moods and atmospheres. Airy acoustic guitar, tight rhythmic virtuosity and sweet keyboard fills are what you will hear.
Last track “Outside the Hourglass 4 am” combines melody and a solid rock pulse with great vocals and magnificent instrumentation.

“Reflections In The Hourglass” has really captured me from the first listen.
It has a great concept, but the truly amazing thing here is the musicianship and the terrific melodies.
Soniq Circus plays progressive rock by the book with symphonic elements in their music, but with a crisp and shining hard melodic rock sound. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is another prog-metal band because it’s not.
Yes, you have potent riffs, fierce guitar / synth interplay and a bombastic rhythm section but all wrapped into one fine melodic line after another, with great vocal harmonies and eventful and clever dynamic arrangements. The production and mix is first rate.
Soniq Circus is a young band with tons of talent, do yourself a favor and don’t miss “Reflections In The Hourglass”.
Highly Recommended.

01 – Inside The Hourglass 3am
02 – Formula
03 – Actor
04 – Shadow Dance
05 – Childbirth
06 – By The Heartshaped Lake
07 – Learning To Talk
08 – Outside The Hourglass 4 am

Marcus Enochsson / guitar, vocals
Markus Nilsson / bass
Marco Ledri / keyboards
Christer Ugglin / drums

BUY IT !
www.amazon.co.uk/Reflections-Hourglass-Soniq-Circus/dp/B005O82ISA