When Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony left Planet US, the band they formed with guitarist Neal Schon and drummer Dean Castronovo, to rejoin Van Halen, Schon and Castronovo hooked up with singer Jeff Scott Soto and bassist Marco Mendoza to form Soul SirkUS.

Thanks to six sound clips available on the internet, word spread about the band quickly and they racked up rave reviews. The debut album was recorded in two days at Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain's studio. It's melodic rock 'n roll with an edge, found somewhere between Journey and Van Halen. Solid guitar work and excellent vocals highlight an album of good songs like the Hagar co-written "Peeophole" and the solid in-your-face "My Sanctuary" and the bluesy "Soul Goes On."

Good time rock 'n roll with an edge, the album is available exclusively at the band's website, www.soulsirkus.com, through Warner Brothers Records Music Store.

In early January, Deen Castronovo left the band to concentrate on his commitment to Journey and spend some time with his family. He was replaced in Soul SirkUS by Virgil Donati and the band headed back to the studio to re-record the drum tracks in preparation for a worldwide release instead of just online.

Live dates are being booked for Spring 2005.

Rating: 8 of 10