Vienna Circle – “Secrets of the Rising Sun”

A brand-new studio album from Vienna Circle Secrets Of The Rising Sun, debuted April 30,2021. Vienna Circle is a progressive rock band from Wiltshire, England. Secrets Of The Rising Sun, is the band’s third album.

Vienna Circle is made up of Paul Davis, who is the only permanent member of the band, now that Jack Davis left, after the release of Silhouette Moon. Paul, wrote and performed all instruments except for the drums, which were played by Alex Micklewright. Gemma Davis, sings lead vocals on ‘That Night’ and backing vocals on ‘Golden Sunset Roulette’.

Secrets Of The Rising Sun was produced, engineered, and mixed by Paul Davis.
The album was mastered by Denis Blackham. Paul Davis also created the album’s artwork.

Vienna Circle have incorporated the jazzy influence of Carlos Santana with some of the best influences of UK bands, like Genesis and Marillion. This album is more instrumental, but noting is lost in transition. It is a very fulfilling album full of surprises.

The album opens with “Golden Sunset Roulette”, which has this ‘ancient’, Foxtrot-like, opening with drums and organ, before jazzy lead electric and bass guitar take over. The organ sound is very ‘70s style, set to a cool, jazzy rhythm. More synths are added and the pace increases. An intense opening, indeed. This is the album’s longest track, and it is half instrumental, and after the half-way mark, Paul Davis sings the songs first lyrics, “67, a summer in heaven. A dust-ridden sunset glow. We’d travel the coastlines. With acid and moonshine. Adrift in the unknown. And she would give her love to me. And I’d give my all to her. And we’d drive off into the sunset. With no regrets. Golden sunset roulette. How beautiful it was to feel so free”. Yes, the kind of song which lives in all our memories. The kind of song that brings back memories we would all enjoy rekindled.

“Ghost Town Hideaway”, is a short lead electric guitar and keyboard song, full of bravado and progressive rhythms.

“Carnival”, brings on the full ‘Santana – love’ experience. Not a copy or cover, just genuinely influenced by one of the greatest Latin guitarists the world has ever witnessed. The drums and percussion take center stage as the guitars and flute – like keys play on. All the dramatic rhythms and melodies you can remember from your favorite Santana songs. They even added a whistle.

“That Night”, welcomes the first female vocals from  Gemma Davis. She sings, “Howling winds and crashing waves cry over me. Won’t somebody, someone set me free. I was looking up, looking to the sky above me. Where fireflies light a pathway to the stars. But that night I was distracted by the pale moonlight. And the stories you told. That made the night come to life. That night I was transfixed by your wandering eyes”. It has a distinctly Fleetwood Mac, Mirage feel to it. Very good, indeed.

“Rivers”, is a cool guitar and keyboards instrumental, that is both calming and relaxing. Soft drums play on. Like a river, flowing to the sea.

“Sunset Revolver”, brings a return of that cool Foxtrot riff. Then, it magnifies and becomes even more colossal. A great keyboard and lead electric guitar progressive wonder song, completed with great drum work.

On “Fly Lady Fly”, Paul Davis sings, “Money for old rope. Well, that’s what he said. While steadily wiping the sweat from his head. Working the stables as if nothing was wrong. He’d sing fly lady, fly by the words to her song. Partial to a drink or two. He’d say, “living was easy I was doing ok”, until that one morning life took his lady away. His days would pass slowly. He’d spend his whole afternoon. Singing fly lady fly high. We’ll meet again soon”. Beautiful acoustic guitar and piano keys fill the air.

“Secrets of the Rising Sun”, Paul Davis sings, “Late nights in the Canyons. Lady by my side. Passers-by say hello. They never say goodbye. Who knows where we’ll be when the sun rises up? On my rusty steel string, singing ‘round the fire. Waiting for the sunrise. To come and take us higher. Secrets of the rising sun”. This track has some of the heaviest guitar work on the album. A great beach-side fire song, if played acoustically. You can hear many ‘70s rocker influences like the Eagles.

“Canyons”, is the second longest track on the album. It opens with beautiful keys and piano. Then soft electric guitar. A wonderful, long instrumental to close the album, settle the nerves and leave you with a calming presence.

This is an excellent album for all occasions. There is a little of everything here. Prog, mixed well with influences from the past. Put on some headphones and simply enjoy the journey.

Track List

1. Golden Sunset Roulette – 10:04
2. Ghost Town Hideaway – 2:22
3. Carnival – 2:05
4. That Night – 4:32
5. Rivers – 3:04
6. Sunset Revolver – 5:01
7. Fly Lady Fly – 5:00
8. Secrets of the Rising Sun – 5:00
9. Canyons – 7:09

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https://viennacircle.bandcamp.com/album/secrets-of-the-rising-sun