STONE CIRCLE – Live In South America [Official Bootleg EP]

Shane | 22 November 2012 | Reply

Self released, September 2012
By Shane Pinnegar
7/10

STONE CIRCLE took advantage of an invitation to appear at one of Cuba’s premiere music festivals earlier in 2012, pulling together a 3 week tour through Argentina, Columbia and Cuba across April and May, which saw them attracting huge crowds, as well as appearing on national television and radio.

Along the way their audio guru Erik “Chops” Bruz pressed record here and there, leading to the very limited release of this souvenir 4-track EP (plus bonus video content).

Stone Circle haven’t quite caught their live energy on record before now – though second album Living For The Sunshine came pretty close – so for those of us who know the band’s live show, this EP is more representative of the excitement and affability of the band on stage.

Through Skeletons, Northern Lights, Ramblin’ Man and Sold Me Out – not to mention an impromptu, unrehearsed, rum-fuelled run at Joe Cocker’s You Can Leave Your Hat On – frontman Jeremy Harris engages, flirts, taunts and hollers at the crowd, whilst Derrin Kee’s rhythms pound away, locked into Craig Skelton’s bass and keyboard magic. Scott Howe’s guitar stands out even more than the rest on these recordings, his inventive lead playing never failing to impress.

Individual performances aside, it’s the cohesiveness and unity – both personal and musically – that impresses the most on this EP.

Sure, the sound is occassionally a little rough, and the vocals and harmonies aren’t always pitch perfect – but what else would you expect from a bootleg, official or otherwise. This is all real – no overdubs and definitely no bullshit! For a snapshot of the band in full, sweat-soaked flight, treat yourself to a mojito and turn this up!

www.stonecircleband.com.au

www.facebook.com/stonecircleband