CIRCA ZERO (Andy Summers) – Circus Hero (2014)

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CIRCA ZERO is a new band formed by ex- The Police guitarist Andy Summers (who is now 71 years old yet looks just turned 60!) and vocalist / multi-instrumentalist Rob Giles (The Rescues) who have delivered a splendid debut album entitled “Circus Hero”.
Interestingly Summers says writing with Giles has been the most natural thing since he worked with Sting and judging by the music on here they have had a fruitful time in the studio.

Turns out the real talent in The Police may not have been Sting after all. Their guitarist, Andy Summers, was responsible in more ways than one for the unforgettable sound of such classic albums as Regatta De Blanc and Synchronicity. Other than Sting’s distinctive voice (which has gone way too mellow in his solo career), Summers’ superb fret work on the Telecaster was the defining characteristic of every Police number: driving and controlled while simultaneously excitable and exciting.
But since The Police broke up, Andy has been involved into different projects including prog-rock, jazz, acoustic rock, none really easy to get into and none of which made a serious impact on the charts.
That is, until now.

Finally, at 71, Summers has formed a new band in Circa Zero, and gone back to writing real Rock songs. This new material is strongly reminiscent of classic Police, maybe with a hook-laden touch of The Cars thrown in; the album cries out to be turned up real real loud, to be felt as well as heard.
Make no mistake, though, with Summers behind the driving wheel this is rock with more than a touch of sophistication. It has all Andy’s trademark atmospheric guitar sounds and fills, combined / amped up with layers of rock guitar sound that I wasn’t expecting. Rob Giles’ vocals and playing are excellent and every song is greatly done.

It is a rewarding listen from the opener and lead tune, the heavy pop rock of “Levitation” through to the closing song “Hot Camel”, a slightly avant-garde tune. There are of course big hints of the Police, mainly in the guitar as you’d expect and none more so than on “Say Goodnight”.
“Shoot Out The Stars” is one of best songs I’ve heard this year. A glorious rock&pop track that you won’t stop humming even after just one listen. “Underground” sticks out after a first listen too with a clever use of harmony vocals and again the melody is very radio friendly.
Not all songs are rockin’ though, with “Summer Lies” being more of a ballad and “Whenever You Hear The Rain” a more gentle sounding song, with Summers’ unmistakeable guitar occasionally reminding you of ‘Every Breath You Take’. You can hardly blame him though, it’s been one of his signature riffs of his career.

After almost 27 years, Andy Summers has returned to Rock, and with a great, organic, living, breathing Rock album / band.
Summers lays it on really thick with his guitars and wisely leaves the singing to his new songwriting partner Rob Giles. Not only does Giles provide dynamite, powerhouse vocals, but he also does a standout job on bass and fierce, intense & rocked out drums, sometimes sounding like Sting and Stewart Copeland on those instruments on certain songs. Dan Epand also handles the sticks masterfully on three tracks.
The resulting sound is an exhilarating mix of musical styles (The Police, Yes, U2, ’80s Rock, even Eric Johnson) that make up a compelling package, and Summers has the chords, licks, and riffs and Giles has the voice to really sell it.

Although I had considered The Police to be one of my favorite bands since 1983 yet presenting some filler material, I find that Circa Zero’s debut album is tighter, more focused, more consistent, and ultimately more satisfying than anyone of The Police’s records, because the whole “Circus Hero” is flawless from beginning to end.
Believe me, if you are a The Police or simply an ’80s Rock fan, Circa Zero’s “Circus Hero” (nice tongue twister) is a must.
Strongly Recommended.

01 – Levitation
02 – Underground
03 – The Story Ends Here
04 – Say Goodnight
05 – Gamma Ray
06 – Night Time Travelers
07 – Shoot Out The Stars
08 – Underwater
09 – Summer Lies
10 – No Highway
11 – Light The Fuse & Run
12 – Whenever You Hear The Rain
13 – Hot Camel

Andy Summers – Guitars
Rob Giles – Vocals, Bass, Drums, Keyboards
Dan Epand – Drums

BUY IT !
www.amoeba.com/circus-hero-cd-circa-zero/albums/3117703/
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