For the first time in more than 4 decades, there is a new workshop with the Atomic Fowl name on it. While this will certainly receive criticism from rock music perfectionists, the new album, Circle The Sun, is a solid effort from the new line up. Regardless if this band must be using the band name or not, it has the feel and noise of a traditional Atomic Rooster cd.
A Little Background
Atomic Rooster were a band developed by former Crazy World of Arthur Brown keyboardist Vincent Crane in 1969 The band would certainly rack up hits singles with songs such as “The Adversary’s Solution” and “Tomorrow Evening.” The band’s initial three cds (particularly their 1970 effort Fatality Walks Behind You are still kept in high regard by diehard songs fans. In their 2 periods (1969 – 74, after that 1978 – 83, the band underwent lots of line up changes, with Crane as the lone consistent member. In their time with each other, Atomic Rooster would certainly release seven workshop albums. After the band’s last split, Crane would continue to execute until his fatality in 1989
Along with Crane, other participants of Atomic Fowl have died: Paul Hammond (1992, John DuCann (2011 and Ric Parnell (2022 simply to name a few. In spite of the passings away of vital members, a band called Atomic Rooster have been active given that 2016 With the blessing of Crane’s widow, previous participants Steve Bolton (guitar) and vocalist Peter French (vocals) have explored under the name Atomic Fowl with some worked with hands. French left the band in 2023, leaving Bolton as the single participant from the Crane led variation of the band. Since 2025, the brand-new Atomic Fowl contains:
Steve Bolton- guitar/vocals
Shug Millidge- bass
Paul Everett- drums
Adrian Gautrey- keyboards/vocals
Cd Testimonial
Musically, Circle The Sunlight sounds comparable to that of the band’s very first three albums. While there are some homages to their soulful period, this cd is deeply rooted within in the first three cds.
The cd’s opener, “Fly Or Pass away,” is an instance of this: it’s a heavy psych tune filled up with lots of fantastic key-board lines and a general hypnotic feel to it. The band are all in great form while singer/keyboardist Adrian Gautrey networks some John DuCann-esque vocals.
From there on out, Circle The Sun is a wonderful psychedelic and windy fond memories journey. If you desire even more of the exact same, look no further than the title track, “Follow Me” and “No More.” Of them, “Follow Me” protrudes the most: it’s a fast-paced psychedelic/funk strut and Gautrey’s vocals are killer, seeming similar to that of previous Atomic Fowl singer Chris Farlowe. The various other 2 tunes are no slouch either: the title track is stoner rock friendly while “No More” sounds like it could’ve been a lost cut from Death Walks Behind You
Of the ten tracks on the album, Steve Bolton sings on 4 of them. This could confuse some veteran Fowl fans as Bolton didn’t sing on any one of the tracks from 1972’s Made In England (his single cd with the band until now). While Bolton’s voice is vulnerable, it has a soulful and rough audio. Of his four songs, “Never 2 Shed” and “Rebel Devil” are both sticks out: the previous sounds like a song from Made In England while “Rebel Adversary” is appealing hard rock that can be the spawn of “The Devil’s Answer.”
The cd also depends on nostalgia, which can be viewed as one of the cd’s disadvantages. On the other hand, the cd’s use of fond memories is charming. The abovementioned “Rebel Devil” is an instance of this, in addition to “Last Evening.” The latter is certainly a follow up song to Atomic Fowl’s 1970 hit “Tomorrow Night.” It might be viewed as inexpensive however good Lord, it’s appealing as heck: the soulful vocals and killer keyboards all make it a pleasurable song. Then there’s the cd’s closer “Blow That Mind,” which behaves cross between traditional tunes “VUG” and “Gershatzer”: it’s a maelstrom of psychedelic and prog, closing out the album nicely.
Verdict
As a whole, Circle The Sunlight is a strong effort from the brand-new Atomic Rooster. It isn’t without its defects yet it has the audio and feeling of a traditional Atomic Fowl album. Whether the band ought to be utilizing the Atomic Rooster name is one more discussion. While the band founded by Vincent Crane is long gone, Bolton and his crew are continuing to fly the Atomic Fowl flag. Of what it is, their first effort is quite damn excellent.
Even if you’re doubtful about this cd, give this cd a spin and appreciate.
Album Ranking: 7/ 10
(Checked out 16 times, 12 gos to today)
I’m a writer/journalist with a passion for music and pop culture. Having actually graduated from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, PA in 2014, I have actually been searching for a platform in which I can share my enthusiasms. Considering that 2009, I’ve been posting to my very own blog- The Walrus’ Songs Blog Site- via Blog writer. I’m also the author of 2 self-published publications, “The Camp: Stories from the Summer season” and “The College: Stories from King’s.” Together, both publications cover the story of my life from 2004 to 2014 I have actually been fortunate enough to interview numerous of my preferred artists for many years and most likely to shows every now and then. I’m additionally really dedicated to the CBS reality TV program Survivor, which I started enjoying in 2002 when its fourth period began. I presently reside in New Jacket.