Rekindling the magic of a band can go two ways: the former members look stupid and destroy their legacy. Or they pick things up where they left and proof that age is just a number. Fifty years ago, American pop band The Cyrkle got noticed by Beatles manager Brian Epstein and scored two sunny side up hits, Red Rubber Ball and Turn-Down Day. They broke up soon after this and got jobs that had nothing to do with music. Fast forward to 2014 when keyboard player Mike Losekamp started playing those songs as a member of The Gas Pump Jockeys. The audience loved it and it laid the groundwork for a couple of former members getting back together. But lo and behold, after another decade they are back with a new album: Revival.
Their voices have aged well, but don't try to go for the high notes anymore. Using a lower register enables to weave intricate harmonies that sound instantly recognizable. The Cyrkle still wants you to dance - in fact most of the new songs are about trying to get a lady to partake in this celebration of late 60s power pop. The 21st century versions of their hits from yesteryear are a nice touch, but it is songs like We Were There and Center Of The World, an ode to San Diego that can serve as exhibits that they are not a just a bunch of men in matching suits once again chasing a dream that they woke up from a couple of decades ago.
The Cyrkle:
Don Dannemann: vocals, guitar, keyboards, bass, percussion
Mike Losekamp: vocals, keyboards
Pat McLoughlin: vocals, guitar and hand percussion
Don White: guitar, vocals
Dean Kastran: bass, vocals
Scott Langley: drums, percussion, vocals
Guest musicians:
Tom Dawes: vocals on 6 and 13, guitar and bass on 6
Mike Shoaf: bass on 4 and 12, vocals on 12
Probyn Gregory: French Horn on “The Visit”
Revival is released via Big Stir Records (CD, digital). Release date: March 22.
Tracks:- Goin' Steady With You
- Center Of The World
- We Can Find It
- The Visit
- Dance With Me Tonight
- He Can Fly
- Singing For Tomorrow
- It's Alright It's Okay
- Nobody But A Fool
- I Believe She Believes
- We Were There
- 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)
- We Thought We Could Fly
- Turn-Down Day (21st Century Version)
- Red Rubber Ball (21st Century Version)