Comments: Merging a rock legend and a premier vocal star is either an attempt at impending doom or glorified magic. Not to say that a middle road could also be attained, but anything but perfection with this combo of talent certainly would not be what fans of either musician are looking to hear.

So here I am holding the much anticipated release by Soul SirkUS, formally Planet US, before Sammy Hager returned to the Van Halen camp. Neal Schon (Journey fame) combines his talents with Jeff Scott Soto who is widely known throughout the rock world for his work with many groups such as Yngwie, Talisman, Takara, and Humanimal. Rounding out the line up are bassist Marco Mendoza and Dean Castronovo both tremendous musicians in their own right.

World Play is a mixture of melodic and hard rocking songs. Obviously with such commonly known musicians involved there are slight hints of their previous works. Soul SirkUS certainly have their own identity and appeal. All the tracks where penned by Schon and Soto except for “Peephole,” written by Schon and Hager, where Soto sounds so much like Hager that it’s scary. “Peephole” has some classic lyrics…“watching the TV, f**king on the floor…peeping through a hole,” it’s so dirty that it begs to be listened to.

The opening track “Highest Ground” opens the CD with over guitar driven overtones before the slamming verse riff crashes through the speakers. "Highest Ground," is a very heavy tune driven by a melodic chorus that really grabs your attention. The second track "New Postion" offers up an up-tempo groove and keeps the initial energy of the record at a high level. "Another World" intros with a Zep-esque groove and sultry vocals by Soto, this by far my favorite track on the CD, very melodic and the vocals are haunting.

"Soul Goes On" continues on with slower tempo and interplay with Schon's guitar licks and Soto vocal prowess. "Periled Divide" is another track that builds up to a melodic chorus. "Praise" returns back to the initial up-tempo grooves of the opening tracks “Highest Ground” and "New Postion." "My Sanctuary" verse lead into a killer chorus. Soto’s vocals are killer on this track and Schon lays down some awesome rhythm guitar work.

"Friends 2 Lovers," "Coming Home" and "Close the Door" close out the CD. "Coming Home" sounds eerily like a Journey song, the melody and the vocals are very reminiscent of work done by Neal Schon and Steve Perry.

All in all this is a fine debut by Soul SirkUS and it will be interesting to see if this a one project event or if the Neal and Jeff will return with a follow up CD.

Favorite Tracks; Highest Ground – Another World – Peephole – My Sanctuary

Line up: Neal Schon (g), Jeff Scott Soto (v), Marco Mendoza (b), Dean Castronovo (d)