REVIEW - CIRCLE J "The Year of the Goat" (2015)

Circle J "The Year of the Goat" CJ04
Release date:  April 26, 2015
Running time: 20:57, 7 tracks

"Glad to se you go, goodbye". That's what Ramones sang. But after listening to Circle J's new mini-album ""The Year of the Goat" that's what I sing: "Glad to see you come back, welcome" . The band's previous EP was very good, but sometimes it seemed that they were mellowing. Fortunately, they are back with a vengeance and they have come back to their roots: amazing banjo picking, great piping/whistling and kick-ass electric guitar work.

From the very beginning the listener is aware that the old spirit is back. "The Ones We Left Behind", a song about World War II, kicks off with an "ein, zwei, drei, vier" counting and banjo and pipes sounds. The guitar part is the first evidence that "The Year of the Goat" is a rocking album.

"Fields of Pretend" is one of my faves. The electric guitar sound is harder on this number where pipes and banjo are played again. Circle J at its best.

The next track is titled "Warrior Monkey Princess" and it's a sort of a Paddy and The Rats tone down number. Fantastic song with addictive chorus and Marianne switching to tin whistle and Jasper to mandolin.

"Lost and Found" is an evidence of the band's versatility. This time, they choose a British festival folk rock approach on a number showing the band's social consciousness.

"Jenny's Song" is another early Circle J sounding number with infectious sha-la-la chorus. Marianne plays tin whistle again

Edje's electric guitar shines on "Beyond the Edge", an awesome number with some folk metal drops.

Finally, "Knockapoulka" is a traditional instrumental that gets the Circle J's treatment. Drummer Remi is in charge of the oi's shouts on this number

Marianne and the boys have not failed with the packaging. This time it's a 6 panel digipack providing all the lyrics to the songs and full credits. Regarding the amazing artwork, maybe most of you have not noticed it, but there is a mistake. Cows' udders have four teats (nipples), but small ruminants' udders (that is, goats and sheep) only have TWO teats :-)

The burgeoning Dutch scene is delivering a handful of excellent CDs in 2015. Among all the Dutch bands, Circle J were the first band to break through internationally and they have proved that they're still alive and kicking. 

Tracklist:

1 – The Ones We Left Behind 2:43
2 - Fields of Pretend 2:30
3 - Warrior Monkey Princess 3:14
4 - Lost & Found 3:53
5 - Jenny's Song 3:03
6 - Beyond the Edge 3:18
7 - Knockapoulka 2:15

Website
Facebook
Twitter

Contact the band via Facebook or send an e-mail to circlejmerch@hotmail.com  to buy the CD.

Review by Kinksmarkham