WHTQ, Orlando Psycho Circus Review
Review By: Iron Dave

As a 11 year radio veteran and 25year KISS loyalist, I wanted to offer my review of the new LP before it hits the streets next week.

PSYCHO CIRCUS: First time I heard this, I knew it was destined to be the show opener... it's a really exciting song, so live, even more so! Paul's lyrics really paint a picture as to what you can expect on the new tour... keep ringing your local stations for this.

WITHIN: This one is lyrically compelling, but for me the tempo drags a bit. I wanted something in my face,kicking my ass. Gene once told me great songs "gotta rock the 10th time you hear it". This one won't. Sorry.

I PLEDGE: very authentic KISS, it's obvious that Paul was trying to capture the feel of a rock anthem with this one. Chorus is kinda catchy and very similar infeel to the early KISS, especially in attitude.

INTO THE VOID: Ace just flat out rules. And I'm not specifically and Ace fan, but I love his writing style, and his playing is the key component to the classic KISS chemistry. This track is all in your face, well deserving of an extra twist on the volume knob.... One of my favorites on the LP.

WE ARE ONE: I'm divided on this one. It's a very solo sounding Gene with the acoustic guitars and Beatle- esque harmonies. I like to just flat out rock, but this song is so well crafted it's hard to not like it. And that chorus ought to catch on, too.

YOU WANTED THE BEST: This is a most outstanding track. Great composition by Gene, the shuffle beat and steady rock tempo make this a perfest fit for Pete's drumming style, and the fact that they all share vocals makes this a killer track.

RAISE YOUR GLASSES: The verse structure lyrically and musically are great here, but the chorus seems a little forced for commercial appeal. It's a good cut but a little formulated.

FINALLY FOUND MY WAY: This is a total ripoff of Beth. The piano/orchestra thing works well for Pete, and "soft" rock is a necessary evil to get airplay... Pete's voice sounds great but a little strained in the bridge. If it gets released as a second or third track on a CD single and it starts getting tons of airplay and becomes a hit, shoot me.

DREAMIN': Paul worked this one up with Bruce Kulick and I really like the effort. Sounds like the solo was written specifically in the "Ace" style... if Ace himself didn't write the solo.....

JOURNEY OF 1,000 YEARS: This track will grow on you after several listens... I think Gene has gone cerebral on us, and that's ok, but itsure was a lot more fun when he was writing "cock rock"....! Has the demon gone PC on Psycho Circus? My greatest hope is that if Psycho Circus the album is to be in the same vein as Destroyer, they'll do one more in the style of Rock and Roll Over and just rock their asses off. I hear there are some other tracks that didn't make it this time around...

Overall a great record- I give it a 7 on a 10 scale.

One more thing: beat up your local radio station's program director for more KISS airplay. Phone calls are the only way they know what you want.....

Anybody whohas questions or comments write me at irondave@whtq.com

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