December 1982

Steve Quinney is the kind of guy that would stop a song dead if he wasn't getting enough participation from his audience. Such an extreme act was certainly not necessary at Cirkus' show on Thanksgiving night at The Switch. The continual, humorous chitchat Quinney supplies during a live show is enough to draw life out of any crowd.

Cirkus' brand of stormy rock and roll may not be unique, but the group sports an excellence that transcends any lack of originality. They prove themselves capable of kicking up as much rock and roll ruckus as any band this side of Pere Ubu. Like many rock groups, Cirkus centers around a guitarist, the dazzling Sean Carmichael, who's playing is nothing less than superb, and a vocalist, Quinney, with his urgent and often explosive voice. Kelly Craven, a thunderous drummer and Eric Bennett form a strong anchor. Together, the quartet provides an interesting and thoroughly enjoyable show. Their passion flows with a natural force and, dare I say-ease, that is impressively full and balanced.

What makes Cirkus' driving sound so engaging is the clarity of their instrumental constructions and the solid simplicity of their songwriting. Singer/songwriter Quinney's tunes are as direct and down to earth as his character. His lyrics are typical of the basic sex and drug subjects that seem almost essential to any rock song. A sample of this would be Cirkus' original titled "One Foot in Hell", performed with their usual strength and vitality. This tune affects a rock and roll simplicity and straightforwardness that is as mysteriously right as vodka and orange juice. Quinney sides with basic lyrics believing that it's what club goers identify with. He observes, "Nowadays, if you tell the crowd they're going to hell in a song, they love it". The outspoken Quinney adds with his usual good-timey charm, "Never try to be smart. All the smart people are at the library". The favorable responses that Cirkus' originals receive prove there may be something behind Quinney's philosophy.

Cirkus has been performing throughout the southeast for about five years with some of their tours stretching as far north as Ohio. Their popularity is steadily building and the group has achieved much name recognition on the east coast. Their tunes are aired on numerous radio stations throughout Virginia and the Carolinas. The group was recently voted one of the top five bands in North Carolina during a listener's poll sponsored by WROQ in Charlotte, and their material is still requested at a rate of three to one over other bands. Cirkus presently has a live album in the works that will be released as soon as all circumstances allow. Quinney is anxious to get their sound on vinyl, with this being the group's first release and has a positive attitude in predicting the album's success. The album will surely realize these durable rockers' potential and hopefully reflect a bit of Cirkus' good-time spirit.

The fact that the group has achieved their stardom on their own, with virtually little or no help, and have still managed to maintain their easy-going, simple attitude is what makes them so attractive. Quinney comments, "So many bands get real caught up in the political games involved in the business, and they lose sight of having fun. We've never been sugar-daddied, probably because people realize that we can't be controlled. We're going to do what we want to do". Apparently, doing what they want to do has paid off for Cirkus. The group seems to be in full control of their future, and they are having a great time, too.

Overall, Cirkus' music is zesty and forceful. The variety of their selected covers, performed with incredible precision, and their unpretentious originals will satisfy any musical taste from hard, heavy metal to a little pop-and just about everything in between. The group is very strong on all levels, with their fun-loving spirit adding a tint of color. Though the group's frankness and direct attitude may seem to some people the aural equivalent of assault and battery, they're most likely to leave the scene of the crime humming Cirkus' tunes.