Trip Circadia CD Review
There’s something genuinely refreshing about bands reaching out directly for reviews, critiques, and honest feedback. These days, most are content to upload their work to YouTube or Bandcamp and let fate take the wheel. But every so often, a group breaks that mold and that’s exactly what happened here.
Enter Trip, a classic Psychedelic rock outfit hailing from France. These guys wear their influences like badges of honor, so proudly, in fact, that listening to them makes you yearn for the days when The Doors ruled the stage at The Whisky. I wasn’t around back then (sadly), but that era’s energy and mystique are hard to miss in Trip’s sound. That’s not all they bring to the table, though. Their music is also steeped in Progressive Rock and Hard Rock, channeling the likes of Zappa, Uriah Heep, and even flashes of Queen. Hell, I even caught shades of The Refreshments, which may be more of a personal projection, but it’s there if you know where to listen.
Since 2018, Trip has been tearing up the European circuit with a vengeance, three critically acclaimed albums and over 400 shows in just a few years. That’s an impressive feat, especially considering the global pandemic hit smack in the middle of it all. These guys aren’t just prolific, they’re relentless. Rock 'N' Roll clearly isn't just a genre for them; it’s a lifestyle.
Now, with their fourth release “Circadia” hitting the streets on May 16th, I’ve got the distinct honor of being the first person on American soil to get my hands on the CD and let me tell you, it does not disappoint.
The album kicks off with “Dream Destroyer (in B Major),” a blazing opener that doesn’t waste a second. From the soaring, sing-along chorus to the organ-heavy sound and masterful time changes, this track is a bold statement. It’s got that unmistakable '70s Hard Rock flair, back when bands didn’t overthink it, they just turned it up and let it rip. If this had dropped in that era, my older brother and I would’ve been blasting it on 8-track while raising hell in his old Nova. No doubt.
Then comes “White Rat,” a swaggering, genre-bending ride that lands somewhere between “L.A. Woman” era Doors and a lost Queens of the Stone Age track. The keyboard work here is pure magic, and the whole tune feels like a boogie-woogie séance.
One of my favorite cuts, “Green Light/Red Light,” might be where my Refreshments obsession kicks in. The vocal cadence echoes their song “European Swallow,” whether intentional or not. Either way, this track slaps, it’s raw, raucous, and tailor-made for cranking at full blast in my Dodge Challenger!
The album then pivots into more introspective territory with “Time’s Now,” a laid-back groove that showcases Trip’s bluesier side. It’s not a ballad per se, but a meditative breather that lets their musical maturity shine through. Likewise, “The Jungle” hits with emotional clarity. If I were still lighting up, this would be my go-to track for a hazy trip through the cosmos. It’s vibey, immersive and yeah, the stakes are high... and so would I be.
The closer, “Slave of the Moment,” is a fitting finale, pulsing with that unmistakable Uriah Heep-esque drama and keyboard-driven intensity. It’s moody, heavy, and leaves you wanting more.
While I didn’t dive into every track here, let me be clear – “Circadia” is one of those rare albums where there’s not a single weak moment. It’s smart, soulful, and bursting with character. Each band member brings serious chops, and their chemistry is undeniable. If this had dropped in the ‘70s, it would’ve been a cult classic.
Whether you’re deep into Psych Rock, a fan of Prog legends, or just looking for something new that still knows how to rock, Trip’s “Circadia” delivers the goods. It sits comfortably beside classics like The Doors’ “Waiting for the Sun” and Uriah Heep’s “Demons and Wizards”. Don’t miss the chance to feel this one!