Review | Cirkus Prütz – Manifesto

Metalville Records

In the mood for some high energy boogie, rock and roll and a big shot of blues rock, are you? Look no further and go and check out the latest album by Swedish blues rockers Cirkus Prütz. On their third album (if I am not mistaken here) guitarist/singer Christian Carlsson (the main man in The Quill), drummer Per Kohlus, guitarist Branco Santunione and bass monster Jerry Prütz lay down a juicy musical cocktail that might be just to your liking if you are into this kind of stuff.

ENERGY

In this genre it is not easy to be original and it is something that this outfit is not trying to be. You hear ZZ Top, you hear the twelve bar construction but with the help of producer Peter Tägtgren (who also did a great job on the last Joe Lynn Turner record) this band has managed to make ‘Manifesto’ a real treat. Guitars rule the roost on this record and it takes the attention away of the somewhat monotonous vocals. But when you hear the energy and the grittiness that determines songs such as ,,White Knuckle Blues’’, ,,Handyman Boogie’’, ,,Twenty4seven Blues’’ or ,,Drinking Muddy Water’’ the fact that Carlsson is not a born singer really plays no negative role in the proceedings.

SUPER BALLAD

In the form of ,,Walking In The Rain’’ these Cirkus artists even present a super ballad, that is as simple as it is captivating with its scorching guitarwork and laid back vocals. It is a gripping song and for me the highlight of this album. This track gives the album the necessary variation (as does album closer ,,Water Into Wine’’) as well, as blues records have the tendency to become a bit predictable and longwinded after a while. But by keeping the songs reasonably short and to the point the band has avoided this problem.

CIRKUS PRÜTZ – THE CONCLUSION

Yet again, this band manages to prove that you do not need ingenious song constructions or over the top productions to presents an entertaining album. ‘Manifesto’ sounds very honest, has no hidden agenda, and comes straight from the heart and soul. I think that you cannot ask much more from a bluesy record into this genre (ZZ Top, Blindside Blues Band)? Lend your ear to ‘Manifesto’!

Release date: 18 April 2025