RGG June 2016 - p.34
Review by
Lucy Onions
TESS
OF
THE
CIRCLE
It’s really refreshing to hear a proper rock ‘n’ roll
record in this day and age. There are so many sub-
genres and styles that branch off from the root, but
sometimes it’s nice to reconnect with rock and with
Amplify,
Tess of the Circle
are doing just that.
The album kicks off with
Love is the Drug That
You Crave
. It’s a driving, pounding track that
begs to be turned up to eleven. There’s a
definite hint of Led Zeppelin and more than a
little 90’s grunge.
I’m Not Ashamed
sounds like
Jethro Tull and Puddle of Mudd have got
together for a jam. Tess Jones has a clear,
crisp, rock vocal - rich and distinctive.
Third track in,
You Take Me Out of my Head
gives a nod to Led Zepp again and I can also
hear hints of Alice in Chains, Bush and Live.
The tempo slows with
Believe
(Into Her Arms)
but picks right back up again with
Mother
Daughter Son.
Face the Changes
sounds like it’s come straight
from the 70’s. The soulful backing vocals are
just brilliant and give depth to an already rich
track.
Drowning Without You
is just wonderful.
I can hear Nirvana and again, Alice in Chains.
Summer Rain
sounds like something The Doors
would have done and again, those backing
vocals are brilliant.
The Waves Break Us Down
is haunting and
melancholic. The addition of strings on this track
make it almost mournful. Last but by no means
least is
This Higher Ground
. The vocals are
particularly polished on this one. There’s a real
vulnerability to them.
I’d never heard of Tess of the Circle until my
good friend (and bass player on the album) Ben
Drummond handed it to me to have a listen to.
It’s an amazing record that draws on many
rock-music influences but equally sounds fresh
and new. Let’s just say, I’m converted.
You can catch the band live on Sunday 17th
July when they headline The Roots 3 Festival
at Mitchell Arts Centre, Sutton Coldfield.
Great thing is, it’s free!
www.
tessnotes
.com
JULY
17
