CIRCUS DIABLO is Billy Duffy's latest non-CULT-related project. Of course, there's nothing too original here. The band is solid and knows a good hook, kind of like CRASH KELLY without the harmony leads. It’s not far off from ROCKSTAR SUPERNOVA. Both of those acts have the Gilby Clarke sheen involved and this group aurally appears to have more of the same. Heavy metal power pop’s tentacles are reaching rock’s subconscious at a fairly brisk pace. A year or two from now this may be a big thing. Maybe not. Maybe in the mad cow mainland first and the US second.

How this CD can go from the commercial sap of “Shine” round trip to “Ants Invasion” (yes this is an ADAM AND THE ANTS cover) is beyond me. “Hello, Goodbye” sounds like PEARL JAM to me. The more appealing tracks such as “Loaded”, “So Fine” and “Mad Parade” (possibly my fave) do kick ass, dudely. For sure. For sure. Most of this is passable yet there is some filler. “Rollercoaster” is another one I like quite a bit that closes the disc out before the acoustic laden “Dignified”. Not bad.

- Herring

OFFICIAL SITE: www.circusdiablo.com

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