Album Review: Circus Caravan - Scattered Sketches (2020)


Photo Credit: Circus Caravan / Artwork: Vassilis Kyritsis

Circus Caravan - Scattered Sketches
Release: May 14, 2020
Format: CD/Digital
Length: 41:23
Origin: Athens, Greece

Circus Caravan are very likely one of the bands whose members dislike the question on what kind of music they play. The three terms Alternative, Post Rock and Indie were chosen because they are the best attempt to describe what the band does. And by Alternative and Indie Rock, I do not stringently mean the genres, but the fact that Circus Caravan are truly independent and alternative in how they compose and play their songs. Well-fitting quite from the song 'Drawing': "No one needs to be, the kind of normal that Ι hate so much to see".

On "Scattered Sketches" Circus Caravan merge warm and easily floating motifs with powerful Post Rock features, the intensity of Heavy Stoner Rock and the soul of Shoegaze. Sweet melodies slide into harsh breaks, empowering harmonies fligh across the soundscapes and pair with thoughtful atmosphere. And deep within the musical spheres there are the steadily occuring Post Rock staccati adding some frosty air to the album.

The CD version comes with a booklet that contains eight little sketches drawn by Vassilis Kyritsis. Each picture is dedicated to one of the eight songs on the album "Scattered Sketches". Atmosphere and emotion of each track are beautifully displayed in these sketches. So, here's a good reason for getting a physical copy if you enjoy the music by Circus Caravan.

By their amazing sonic image and their unique approach to individually created Rock music, Circus Caravan represent a strong image of freedom and independence on their first album. This is a fantastic soundtrack for hiking, going into the wild or just enjoying the presence of everlasting nature. Make yourselves comfortable on a hill, near a forest or at a shore, play this album, and I promise, you won't regret.
After some listening, I also realized that Alexis' voice somehow reminds me of my friend Ilja Schneider (vocalist and guitar player at German Blues Rock/Prog band Zeremony). Also, a certain similarity to Peruvian Post Rock band Parahelio can be discovered. Neither of these coincidences challenge the uniqueness of Circus Caravan's sound.

Circus Caravan Online:

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