Circus of Power/Vices/Magic & Madness/Live at the Ritz

Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, because the Circus Of Power is in town, and they've brought along a carnival of rock 'n' roll delights with them. Their self-titled debut album is a gritty, blues-infused romp through the seedy underbelly of New York City, with tracks like "Call of the Wild" and "Motor" providing the perfect soundtrack for a night of debauchery and mayhem. Lead singer Alex Mitchell's raspy vocals add a raw edge to the band's sound, while the dual guitar attack of Gary Sunshine and Ricky Beck Mahler cuts through the mix like a hot knife through butter. It's not all sleaze and swagger though, as tracks like "In the Wind" and "Don't Drag Me Down" show a softer, more introspective side to the band. Overall, Circus Of Power's debut is a rollicking good time that will have you reaching for your leather jacket and a bottle of whiskey. Moving on to Vices, Circus Of Power's sophomore effort, we find the band continuing to crank up the volume and amp up the attitude. Songs like "White Trash Queen" and "Heaven & Hell" ooze with attitude and swagger, while the band's cover of The Stones' "Backstreet Girl" is a sleazy delight. The production is bigger and bolder on Vices, with the band sounding tighter and more focused than ever before. It's a shame that Circus Of Power never quite achieved the same level of success as some of their peers, because albums like Vices show that they had the talent and the tunes to go all the way. So do yourself a favour, dear reader, and give Circus Of Power's Vices a spin – you won't be disappointed.