An Escape From a Box is one of the more misunderstood albums from the Italian progressive rock scene. Mainly because it has nothing in common with what one expects from the land of PFM or Banco. Circus 2000 are the European extract of prime Jefferson Airplane, but with a distinct progressive rock element similar to Julian's Treatment, Mad Curry, or Sandrose. Escape From a Box is one of the most creative albums from this niche. Laid back, sensuous, hypnotic, and mesmerizing. Resident hottie Silvana Aliotta provides the sultry, and witchy-squeaky (trademark pending) vocals. Hippy dippy opener 'Hey Man' is the only slip up, and even most of that tune works well once the instrumental engine starts to roar. 'You Aren't Listening' is seductive, 'Our Father' has intense Gothic choirs, and 'When the Sun Refuses to Shine' draws you into the vortex of another universe. Brilliante.
Ownership: CD: 2023 Grapefruit. 2xCD box set titled I Am the Witch. Also includes the full album of their debut and the Boxing Circus archival EP. Comes with a full history and plenty of photos and scans.
LP: 1999 Akarma. Gatefold. Acquired at Amoeba Records in San Francisco (2000). Neat cover art. As such, it sits high on my wall of albums. Otherwise I probably wouldn't keep it. Originals are impossibly expensive, so this will have to do.
Former ownership: CD: 1989 Vinyl Magic. Jewel case. This was my introduction to the album and stayed in the collection for 35 years until now (2024).
1989 (first listen); 1996; 2000; 3/20/07 (review); 4/9/18 (update / new entry); 7/25/24
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