I was honored to be one of the very first people to receive a copy of This Is Secret Circus. Little did I know that lurking beneath the surface of these most refreshing songs was something far more sinister.

Having been unable to stop playing the album since I first heard it, I am convinced that there are subliminal messages hidden within its compulsive charm. Logging on to the band’s Myspace page reveals the shocking truth. Half way down the screen the same messages that have been planted deeply within my mind are there for all to see:

“Secret Circus will soon rule the world.” “Secret Circus is the greatest band of all time.” “You love Secret Circus.”

Even the cover of the album proclaims them to be the “greatest band ever.” You just can’t escape it, but strangely you don’t want to either. As I reach to play the album yet again, I realize I am helplessly entwined within their web.

Secret Circus are talented twins Joel and Klas Aahman. Their plan to rule the world sees Joel resident in Sweden, while brother Klas occupies Roswell in New Mexico. The first step to world domination has been taken with the release of their debut album This Is Secret Circus.

It is available on quaint old CD and, of course, new fangled download. If you choose the latter, make sure that you don’t miss the excellent artwork which lures you into the circus tent like some twisted ringmaster.

Once inside, the “Intro”, a slightly deranged version of “Entry Of The Gladiators” by Julius Fucik, evokes all sorts of childhood memories of the circus tent pitching up on the village green. Their songwriting is refreshingly simple, and yet just below the surface are some powerfully thought provoking lyrics. The style is an intoxicating and delicate blend of gypsy spirit, folk, rock, pop, and gentle blues.

At times they sound familiar.  Yet conversely, they remain innovative at the same time. It’s a heady mix and demands your attention throughout. At first it can appear light and almost breezy. But when you get inside the album, and it gets inside you, there are those messages lurking darkly within.

Article Author: Jeff Perkins

Jeff is a writer who lives in France. He writes CD/DVD box sets, music reviews and has had a book published about David Byron of Uriah Heep. He is 'busy' exploring the music of Europe with his wife Debbie and dog Dylan. It's Dylan that does the writing of course. …

Visit Jeff Perkins's author page — Jeff Perkins's Blog