Rising from the ashes of the much-missed Shepherd’s Pi, Manchester-based THE CIRCUS ELECTRIC did enough for this reviewer not to dwell on the past too much.
First, a very brief history. Last year Shepherd’s Pi were making a name for themselves locally with the attention on Rupert Hill of Coronation Street fame, and more importantly building a fanbase with a series of catchy tunes, engaging shows and a bright future. A few classics were lost to the annals of time when the band split around Christmas, much to the disappointment of this ardent fan.
Seven months down the line and The Circus Electric stormed back onto the scene with a new dynamic – the roles are more defined and the band showed no first night nerves, providing the tunes that fans of Shepherd’s Pi will be relieved to hear are ‘just as good.’
Generally speaking it is a rule that white men can’t rap, however here there is a style there that ensures it is never cringeworthy – all this coupled with strong bass-lines, impeccable drumming, plus a new focus on the female vocal all makes for an interesting interplay. With practice and familiarity, a show as engaging as that of The White Stripes could develop in time.
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To hear some of the old tunes was a joy, of course. ‘You Said It Yourself’ is a chart hit in waiting, and ‘Oh Well’ has been beefed up to become something more formidable.
Of the new tracks, ‘Litterbug’ and ‘Turn The Tide’ were the most promising, showing how the band are at their best when they’re being jaunty. However the slow number ‘Circle’ seemed to fall flat in an otherwise upbeat set, and you’re reminded that this band are most effective when they’re making you dance. A set full of wry smiles and clever wordplay, you can’t help but take notice. At no time formulaic, those that had been there before could breathe a sigh of relief.
And it is a relief to know the band still have it, and a joy to think this is just the beginning. The Life of Pi is over, let’s all head to the Circus!
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