Reviews

There are times in this life when you need a bit of me time: a leisurely lie in the bath, a cosy, snuggle up on the sofa with a good book, or maybe a lonely walk in the countryside with only the wildlife and sunset for company.

Fans of local music have a wealth of bands and artists to accompany such moments: Ghosting, Sam Holmes and Chris Davidson have all released songs if not whole albums dedicated to relaxing you in moments of solitude, as has the appropriately named Alone.

Soul Music

Now there is another act on the scene with music selflessly dedicated to your relaxation.

Faded Circus' calming songs will sooth your soul and open your eyes to a beautiful world.

As with many artists reviewed on these pages, there is much reference to nature as a metaphor for life's strains and stresses.

The songs of Faded Circus outshine them all.

They are well thought out, beautifully crafted poems set to music.

Without a cliché in sight, each lyric has been carefully thought out, lovingly crafted and committed to a beautiful melody.

Sailing By

Thoughts often turn aquatic on the songs currently available via the Circus' Myspace site.

Two songs feature allusions to sailing: 'No Care for Breaks' ("It was coming like a wave/carving through my days and time") and 'Glad to Have You Home'.

On the latter song, there is a self awareness often lacking in the work of the Circus' peers - an unapologetic reference to the analogy of choice: "Sorry little boat upon a ocean wave/that's the metaphor I choose".

Faded Circus

Quiet is the New Loud (again)

Stylistically the music can be compared to that of Sufjan Stevens, Beth Orton and Paul Simon.

There is a haunting feeling to tracks such as 'No Care for Breaks' in which synthesisers form a bedrock beneath gentle shimmerings of sound and a pure vocal line delivered with little more than a whisper. Gorgeous.

'Seven Ply' flaunts the Circus' talent for shimmering sounds in an entirely different way.

The song is less of a song and more of a cryptic poem set to a sound collage - an aural kaleidoscope.

World Music

The soothing sounds continue with 'Maiastra', an uplifting short song, taking its name from a mythical bird, which considers that "all things are possible".

The latest song to appear on Faded Circus' Myspace page, 'Glad to Have You Home' is the most musically diverse with a melodica solo and a plucked string sound that helps give the song a West African sound made popular by Paul Simon, Damon Albarn and, more recently, Vampire Weekend.

Hope

The lyrics to each song are filled with hope and optimism.

Even in the songs about tough times, there is always a chink of light appearing in the distance.

After the drama of 'No Care for Breaks', there is always the chance to "return home and laugh".

And amidst the regrets and fond memories of a childhood long past, 'Seven Ply' is filled with a sense of lingering aspiration ("The muse waiting in the shadows hoping it won't end up like the dream that was left behind somewhere").

In Faded Circus, you will find songs that will touch your heart and lift your spirit: a perfect accompaniment to the close of a tiring day as you look forward to the next. Transfixing and beautiful.

This article is an external contribution and expresses a personal opinion, not necessarily the views of the BBC.
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If you're involved in the Gloucestershire music scene and you would like Stephen to review your music, please feel free to get in touch. Either email gloucestershire@bbc.co.uk or send your album and a bit about yourself to:

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