Circus of Power | History of the Band
The Unfiltered Sound of 80s NYC and Biker Rock Swagger
Circus of Power emerged from the gritty streets of New York City in the mid-1980s, a period teeming with the raw energy of punk, the swagger of hard rock, and the burgeoning weight of heavy metal. Formed in 1986, the original lineup featured Alex Mitchell on vocals, Ricky Mahler on guitar, Gary Sunshine on rhythm guitar, and Ryan Maher on drums, with bassist Craymore Stevens completing the roster. The band’s sound was a potent mix of blues-infused hard rock, often compared to a grittier version of The Cult or a less polished Guns N’ Roses. Their music carried the attitude of biker culture and the ferocity of underground rock, encapsulating the rebellious spirit of the era.
Circus of Power’s music was rooted in the bluesy hard rock tradition, but they infused it with the energy of punk and the heaviness of metal. Their early sound was raw, unpolished, and full of swagger—music that felt as though it was meant to be played in a smoke-filled, dimly lit dive bar. The band drew influence from the likes of AC/DC, ZZ Top, and Iggy Pop, but they managed to carve out a niche that was distinctly their own.
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As the 1980s progressed, their sound became more refined without losing its edge. This evolution was particularly evident in their guitar work, which became more melodic and intricate, and in Alex Mitchell’s vocal delivery, which gained depth and nuance while maintaining its gravelly, commanding presence. Despite the shifts in their music, the band remained true to their roots, continuing to produce hard-hitting rock with a bluesy backbone.
Circus of Power’s music even made its way into popular culture when their song “Machine” was included in the 1989 dark comedy The ’Burbs, starring Tom Hanks. This placement brought their gritty sound to a wider audience, solidifying their connection to the late 80s cultural landscape.
Discography and Notable 80s and 90s Albums
Circus of Power’s discography showcases their commitment to delivering hard-hitting, no-nonsense rock music throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. Their work during this period reflects both their raw beginnings and their evolution as a band exploring new sonic territories.
• “Circus of Power” (1988): The band’s debut album, released by RCA Records, was a bold statement of intent. It featured tracks like “Motor,” “Call of the Wild,” and “Letters Home,” all of which captured the band’s raw energy and rebellious spirit. The production, helmed by Daniel Rey, known for his work with the Ramones, ensured that the album maintained a gritty, unpolished sound that resonated with fans of hard rock and metal alike. The album cover, adorned with biker imagery, perfectly encapsulated the band’s aesthetic and thematic leanings.
• “Vices” (1990): Released by RCA Records as well, this sophomore effort saw Circus of Power expanding their sound while retaining the gritty, bluesy core that defined their debut. “Vices” featured tracks like “Last Call Rosie,” with a slightly more polished production that highlighted the band’s growth. Producers Daniel Rey and Gary Lyons, known for his work with Aerosmith and Foreigner, helped the band strike a balance between rawness and radio-friendly appeal.
• “Live at the Ritz” (1990): Recorded at the famous Ritz venue in New York City, this live album captured Circus of Power’s raw energy and charismatic stage presence. Released by RCA, it featured live renditions of their most popular tracks from the first two albums, offering fans a taste of their dynamic live shows.
• “Magic & Madness” (1993): Circus of Power’s third studio album, released by Columbia Records, marked a significant shift in their sound. “Magic & Madness” incorporated elements of grunge and alternative rock, reflecting the changing musical landscape of the early 90s. The album was darker and more experimental, with tracks like “Swamp Devil” and “Mama Tequila” showcasing a band willing to push their own boundaries. The lineup changes that occurred before this album—most notably the departure of Ricky Mahler—led to a slightly different musical direction, with Gary Sunshine stepping into a more prominent role as lead guitarist.
Circus of Power received a mixed but generally positive reception from critics during their peak years. Their debut album was lauded for its raw power and authenticity. The Los Angeles Times described it as “a no-nonsense rock ‘n’ roll album that’s as real as it gets,” while Rolling Stone noted their potential to stand out in the crowded hard rock scene of the late 80s. Fans appreciated their commitment to a classic, blues-infused rock sound that was becoming increasingly rare in an era dominated by glam metal and the burgeoning grunge movement.
“Vices” continued to receive favorable reviews, with critics noting the band’s ability to maintain their raw sound while also showing growth in their songwriting and musical complexity. However, some felt that the album did not break new ground in the way it could have, instead doubling down on the formula established by their debut.
“Magic & Madness” received more polarized reactions. While some praised the band for experimenting with new sounds and embracing the grunge influences that were dominating the early 90s, others felt that the album lacked the cohesion and punch of their earlier work. The shift in musical direction and lineup changes also led to some criticism, with longtime fans divided on whether the band had strayed too far from their roots.
Influence and Legacy
Circus of Power’s influence extends beyond their initial years of activity, continuing into the 21st century as they influenced a new generation of rock musicians and reconnected with old fans. After their initial breakup in the mid-90s, the band members pursued various musical endeavors.
Alex Mitchell, the charismatic frontman, went on to form other bands, including Fat Nancy and Captain Zapped, exploring different musical styles while maintaining his signature vocal style. Gary Sunshine, known for his guitar work in Circus of Power, continued his musical career with projects like NY Loose and the Americana-infused Beer, Picks & Old Records, where he blended rock with country and blues influences. Sunshine also worked with notable artists like Guns N’ Roses, showcasing his versatility as a musician.
In 2006, Circus of Power reunited for a series of anniversary shows, including performances in New York and Austin, Texas. These shows featured guest appearances by notable musicians like Daniel Rey and members of the Cycle Sluts from Hell. The band’s reformation in 2014 led to new recordings and the eventual release of Four in 2017, proving that their raw energy and dedication to rock ‘n’ roll remained undiminished.
Circus of Power carved out a unique space in the hard rock scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s, offering a raw, blues-infused alternative to the more polished sounds that dominated the era. Their music, steeped in the ethos of biker culture and the gritty realities of urban life, captured the essence of a time when rock was still rough around the edges, unafraid to get its hands dirty.
Though they may not have reached the heights of superstardom, Circus of Power’s legacy endures in the hearts of those who lived for the kind of hard-hitting, unvarnished rock that they delivered. Their albums, particularly their self-titled debut, Vices, and Magic & Madness, remain essential listening for anyone interested in the undercurrents of late 80s and early 90s rock, serving as a reminder that not all great music is found at the top of the charts. Their story is a vital piece of the larger narrative of rock music during this era, a testament to the enduring appeal of music that stays true to its roots.
Sources
• Classic Rock History - Circus of Power
nice article......takin the time to write etc .....saw the band a few times here in UK and in LA