New York roots rock favorites Circus Thoughts are again with an epic new album Highway Much less Traveled. The band’s fifth launch and fourth full-length in 28 years builds on its genre-defying status by weaving collectively traditional rock, funk, soul, reggae, jazz and New Orleans influences with distinctive outcomes.
Led by singer, keyboardist and songwriter Mark Rechler, Circus Thoughts spent the previous 12 months releasing digital singles for every of the ten tracks that comprise Highway Much less Traveled. On the heels of that bold rollout, this materials has now been packaged collectively as a whole and correct file.
That’s to not say Highway Much less Traveled lacks cohesion. In actual fact, for the entire challenge ‘s adventurous spirit, it is a fastidiously sequenced journey that can delight jam band and blues rock aficionados.
The file opens with “The Battle of Brooklyn,” a memorable, groove-driven jam that questions most of the current pricy redevelopments made to Rechler’s beloved borough. From there, Circus Thoughts shifts into the psychedelic stomp of “Entire Lotta Nuthin,” a swaggering rocker that asks, “Are you a pretend or are you real?”
The brilliant, uplifting “Soften Away” and the downright irresistible “Waste of Time” are traditional rock-influenced standouts. In the meantime “Observe Me Residence” settles right into a breezy, beach-ready groove formed by jazz, blues, and colourful percussion.
From there, Highway Much less Traveled leans into harmonica-fueled blues rock (“Viking Princess”) reggae rhythms (“Barstool Hero”) and the spirit of Dr. John (“NOLA Music”). The challenge closes with a buoyant, melodic Beatles-tinged winner that fittingly encourages listeners to embrace and rejoice their very own individuality.
“Circus Thoughts albums are likely to cowl the spectrum of music I like and grew up with,” Rechler says. “Just like the circus, we’re not only a bunch of clowns. We’re acrobats, lion tamers, daredevils, and sure, even a couple of circus freaks. That’s a part of what makes the circus the circus.”
Produced, engineered, and combined by Chris Fasulo, Highway Much less Traveled finds Rechler joined by drummer Dan Roth, percussionist Steve Finkelstein, bassist Matthew Fox and guitarist Brian Duggan, with visitor backing vocals from Chris Butler on the title observe.
Circus Thoughts has been a powerful presence among the many jam-friendly roots rock panorama since rising with their eponymous 2002 album. When their acclaimed follow-up Silver Flower arrived in 2006, it was named Finest Indie Album of the 12 months by Newsday. After a major hiatus, their long-anticipated third studio album Pleasure Machine dropped in 2021, whereas their Bioluminate EP was launched in 2022.
Alongside the way in which, Circus Thoughts has shared phases with artists together with Toots & The Maytals, The Neville Brothers, and The Radiators. The band has additionally collaborated with members of Soulive, Rebirth Brass Band and Cyril Neville. Extra just lately, they supported Galactic at Brooklyn Bowl (6/27/26).
With these forms of experiences giving method to Highway Much less Traveled, it’s exhausting to not be in awe of Circus Thoughts. As soon as once more, Rechler and his band have the power to dig deep into an array of genres, discover the ability and the enjoyment inside these types and craft memorable unique songs. They do that all whereas remarkably retaining their very own distinct sound.
For extra info on Circus Thoughts — together with details about their July twenty fifth efficiency on the Nice South Bay Music Competition alongside Gov’t Mule and Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers in Patchogue, NY — go to right here.
