I have always threatened to do it, and The Irrepressibles’s From the Circus to the Sea EP has confirmed, that I am going to run away to join the circus.

I can officially say that From the Circus to the Sea is like nothing I’ve ever heard before. The score to the film The Forgotten Circus by Shelly Love is intense and dark yet bizarrely fantastic.
I’m not sure whether I just need to get out more or what, but this EP, with accompanying DVD of The Forgotten Circus, is by the far most random thing I have heard and seen in a while.

I would sway to say that there are technically only 3 songs on this 7 track EP, with the album being spaced alternately with minute or so long instrumental interludes between each of the 3 tracks featuring vocals. The Irrepressibles are a 10-piece orchestra, so this is obviously what they do best, and the instrumental tracks are not lacking just because they are without vocals. Each intermittent track is full of strings straight from the ringmaster, telling its own short story of fantastical drama, which all make a lot more sense, when watching The Forgotten Circus.

‘Splish Splash Sploo’ is the first showcase of vocals from singer and composer Jamie McDermott, which are haunting and peculiar but most definitely intriguing. I come up with every oxymoron possible for this track; beautifully frightening, sombrely boisterous, perfectly messy…

The controlled chaos of track 4 is more widely appealing than anything else on the EP, without sounding too commercial so as to not fit in with the other songs. McDermott’s theatrical vocals are on complete show on this track, with a great breakdown and piano solo to compliment.

Track 6 starts a curious haunting ballad but builds into a faster more melodious track before long, with amazing cello from Nicole Robson, making it a giant song for such a short EP.

This is one group I would love to see live, as they are widely known for their inventive costuming as well as their phenomenal musical talent.
Even though I thoroughly enjoyed From the Circus to the Sea, this will definitely not appeal to everyone…but I guess you won’t know until you try it. From the Circus to the Sea is out end of January 2009 for all those who, like me, are willing to make the break for the circus.

http://www.myspace.com/theirrepressibles