Circus Diablo
Circus Diablo Koch Records

by John Kindred
Staff Writer

Comments: The term "Super Group" is attributed to renowned musicians coming together and typically recording and touring. Recently VH1 entered the reality TV market trying to forcefully create a Super Group by bringing together a cross generational group of musicians, only to air a few episode and triumphantly fade away. The band Velvet Revolver is another example of a modern day Super Group. The band merges the music of Guns N Roses with the vocals of Stone Temple Pilots. But the group’s music has the feel of a project that was taped together from spare parts.

In Circus Diablo, we have all the traditional elements that lead one to term a band "Super Group."

Former touring bassist for The Cult, Billy Morrison, known for his L.A. based band Camp Freddy, and also hosts Camp Freddy Radio with Dave Navarro. Morrison handles the vocals.

The Cult’s guitarist, Billy Duffy.

Former Fuel vocalist, Brett Scallions, who aside from running his own label is touring with the surviving members of the Doors under the moniker Riders of the Storm. Scallions takes up the bass guitar duties for the band.

Guns and Roses alumni, drummer Matt Sorum, who is a current member of the Super Group Velvet Revolver and has worked with The Cult on past projects.

Former All Mighty frontman Ricky Warwick steps in as a rhythm guitarist.

So now the question has to be asked, “Can the musicians expect the stigma of them being stamped as a Super Group curse them with mediocrity or can they deliver original, engaging music?”

Circus Diablo came together on the whims of Morrison, Duffy and Warwick. The trio holed themselves up in Morrison’s home studio with intentions that didn’t go beyond recording some music together. After a few weeks they sat down and listened to what they had created and heard the potential for something more than just banging out demos to pass the time. Calling on long time friend and fellow musician, Matt Sorum, entered the fray taking up the role as the drummer. Scallions was soon recruited to handle bass duties. Although known as the former Fuel vocalist, Scallions talents run much deeper than that of an enigmatic frontman.

The debut release features 11-songs that pull from the vast experiences of the quartet. The music is a flashback to ‘80s and ‘90s era hard rock with the obvious updated production qualities which are a result of today’s technology. With 3/5ths of the band hailing from the U.K. there is a poignant British rock vibe that runs throughout the music.

The contributions of Duffy’s lead work and Warwick’s rhythms build out the music in fine form. Both guitarists give an edgy feel to the band's overall sound without resorting to over-the-top performances or pulling in modern day metal clichéd riffs. Morrison’s voice has the swagger of a vocalist who lives on Marlboro’s and lots of whiskey. He manages to keep his voice raspy and raw. Scallions and Sorum build out the foundation for the rest of the band to overlay their parts of the song. Can’t say anything negative about Sorum, a true rock veteran; he knows what and how to get the job done.

Circus Diablo treats us to 11-songs, one of which is a cover of Adam Ant’s “Ants Invasion” which follows the same original arrangement as its ‘80s predecessor. The music swirls, seethes and oozes forth from the speakers. The original compositions have a strong melodic vibe that either comes out through the vocals or through the fret work of Duffy. A bit of punk attitude unravels itself on the CD and combines with a straight ahead rock vibe keeping the energy moving forward. The band keeps the songs short and to the point, finding no need to take the listener on aimless wanderings.

Out of the gate with “Loaded” the band doesn’t let up until the closing song “Dignified,” the only ballad on the CD. “Red Sun Rising,” “Restless,” “Shine,” “Hello Goodbye” and “So Fine” all have memorable hooks and sing along melodies. Plenty of guitar solos for the old school rock fan fill up the audio landscape.

Each band member represents a particular brand of rock and those influences are present in the Circus Diablo sound. At times Morrision’s vocals sound like Ed Roland (Collective Soul) or Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins). And at least on “Mad Parade” Morrison sounds eerily like Alice Cooper during the verses. He unwinds with a bit of social commentary on “Commercial.” Where the song features Morrison speaking in rhythmic rhyme will a heavily distorted guitar plays along in the background providing a tension.

Circus Diablo are certainly one of the surprise bands of ’07. The band finds themselves performing at this years Ozzfest which should introduce them to a new and younger group of fans. With no plans to walk away from their main gigs (The Cult, Camp Freddie, etc.), Circus Diablo have committed to keeping this gig alive and moving forward. Hopefully they will draw many new fans to their loyal ranks.

Listen to Circus Diablo's first single "Loaded" as well as "Shine" from their debut CD on the Hardrock Haven Jukebox.

WWW.CIRCUSDIABLO.COM

Band Lineup:
Billy Morrison (v)
Billy Duffy (g)
Ricky Warwick (g)
Brett Scallions (b)
Matt Sorum (d)

Track listing:
Loaded
So Fine
Restless
Shine
Mad Parade
Red Sun Rising
Commercial Break
Hello, Goodbye
Ants Invasion
Rollercoaster
Dignified

HRH rating: 9/10