Circus Mind Releases “Road Less Traveled” LP

Spanning the last year, Circus Mind gradually unveiled what’s become Road Less Traveled, through a series of singles, inviting listeners into the journey one song at a time. Now gathered as a complete album, the project reveals its full scope and personality. Drawing from funk, soul, classic rock, progressive influences, New Orleans rhythms, alternative textures, and island-inspired grooves, the record explores a wide musical landscape while remaining grounded in strong songwriting. Every track on Road Less Traveled brings its own energy and character, creating a dynamic listening experience that sounds adventurous, engaging, and surprisingly unified from the first to the last note.

The LP kicks off by way of “The Battle Of Brooklyn” to starts its travels off on a good foot with a funky containing everything from a plinking piano to horns and the seminal gruff vocals of front man Mark Rechler. This song has everything Circus Mind is made of and then some, so it’s well placed in the line-up to establish the release with one of the most radio friendly cuts on the disc. “Whole Lotta Nuthin” is another story altogether, with a killer kicked up horn section that essentially dominates the epic party track and you know you’re in for some fun on another level. 

“Melt Away” features some well-placed backing vocals for a harmonious treat containing a mesmerizing synth solo that takes it over the top before the guitar kicks in with a cross between hard rockabilly and psychedelic blues. This is another track worth the wait for those catching the single releases. “A Waste Of Time” follows the New Orleans structure with track that lingers right in the Circus Mind comfort zone with Rechler taking the spotlight with a few jazzy bits thrown into another contagious number. “Follow Me Home” is where the album starts to peak with a muted approach quieting things down for a nice and soft bubbly tune. 

“Viking Princess” starts the second half with a great Circus Mind style romp, with Rechler narrating the story in the usual cerebral fashion, not to mention some tasty hot guitar work that makes this track sizzle into “Bar Stool Hero,” one of the previously released numbers. Marck Rechler is once again featured, with the vocals dominating the situation with a profound chorus. And things slow down again on “What A Mess” with Rechler and company pulling off a southern ballad of sorts, with a strong gospel feel and horns. 

“NOLA Song” is one of the more fun-loving points on Road Less Traveled, an album full of colorful culture and positive vibes throughout. You get it all here, blues, jazz, rock, all of it in the New Orleans style of Circus Mind. “Road Less Traveled” is the final track, not only saved from the album title, but placed at the end as if to go out with a seriously good banger. However, in closing; with all influences felt Circus Mind delivers a perfectly balanced album from one killer track to the other across the board.

Michael Rand