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Music Review: Midnight Syndicate – Carnival Arcane

“I tripped the merry-go-round….the calliope crashed to the ground”

If the year was 1977, you might have thought Manfred Mann’s Earth Band was talking about this recent release score / music CD under the title of “Carnival Arcane” by Midnight Syndicate.

“Carnival Arcane” is designed to take you on a mental journey. One that eludes images of “Something Wicked This Way Comes”, carnivals, circus attractions and maybe even an image or 2 of the movie “Legend”. It certainly is rooted in old school traditions with calliope noises and the good old big top flair that comes a rolling thru every Summer or so.

Though as soon as you recall these wonderful moments from childhood days that seemed to have fade, you are also taken into something darker more brooding. Carnival Arcane could be a score to a recent horror film, but instead it delights in leaving those images to the imagination. In fact, you expect those Brits from “The Wall” to come shouting in at any second talking about cant having any milk before pudding

The instrumental team of Midnight Syndicate are well known for their musical concoctions rich in ambience and at times grandiose orchestrations. This release is no exception featuring beautifully sonic pieces of terror and mystery often leaving and entering on more somber notes of discourse.

You may find yourself feeling like you’ve been here before as subtle tones from carnival noises are orchestrated in a variety of interesting pieces. “Carnival Arcane” manages to haunt with a fun edge oozing evil clowns, sideshows and big top menagerie.

Tracks

1. Mesonoxian Visitors
2. Midway
3. Welcome to the Carnival
4. Canvas Wonderland
5. Midway Reprise
6. A Strange Menagerie
7. Madame Zora
8. Agent of Fortune
9. Dr. Atmore’s Elixirs of Good Humour and Fortification
10. Alura the Snake Lady
11. Arcane Wonders
12. Under the Big Top
13. Freakshow
14. Pulling the Strings
15. Carousel Ride
16. Revelation
17. Goons and Greasepaint
18. Kiddieland
19. Krellsig’s Kastle of Fun
20. Diversions in the Dark
21. Twisted Labyrinth
22. Cheval Glass
23. Sea of Laughter
24. Lights Out
25. Epilogue
26. Crum Car (BONUS)

http://www.midnightsyndicate.com/

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