The assembly of groups can happen in a myriad of ways. Thanks to the portable studio and the ease of sharing ideas through the internet, musicians do not have to be in the same location ever to pool a substantial album together. Meeting through an internet message board in 2004, Netherlands multi-instrumentalist Ronald Wahle and fellow Tennessee musician Chris Brown created Ghost Circus, a vision that intertwines their continental and cultural differences into a wide open progressive rock spectrum that breathes uniquely and expansively. "Across the Line" embodies a second album of comfort, as both players gain additional knowledge in terms of where they want the songwriting to ebb and flow.

Mr. Brown handles the vocals, guitar, bass and keyboards while Mr. Wahle tackles the drums, guitar, keyboards and added percussion, yet the collective integration within these 8 tracks makes it seem like a full, enriched five or six piece. The conceptual narrative depicts a ghost story of one man’s journey from death to the hereafter- with Chris’ airy AOR vocals softly carrying the bulk of the emotion in a plaintive Toto meets early Marillion manner. The slower tracks such as "To Be" or the title track may seem sparse at the surface, as the keyboards and acoustic guitars play against one another gently yet the harmonization or slight transitions offer just the right dynamic need progressive aficionados salivate over. "Losing Time" opens with some Nine Inch Nails inspired drum programming and a lovely guitar riff circa "Grace Under Pressure" Rush – another rhythmic builder that contains an excellent Tears For Fears inspired keyboard solo. The centerpiece for the album would be the 8 part "Through the Light", an epic whirlwind that at times keeps a simplified approach ("The Calling" plays off a two chord up/down movement with a drum variance) while later on traverses into off time bliss ("The Essence Of Life" with the 70’s atmospheric movements).

Ghost Circus typify the current outlook of the genre- unafraid to take chances, putting all their collective wares on the table and exhibiting a superb full length for their labor. Dense in subtleties, "Across the Line" won me over immediately and I think all AOR and progressive rock mavens will need to buy this album at some point this year.

www.ghostcircus.com
www.progrockrecords.com

Composed by Matt Coe