Circus 66 – ‘Get Outside Your Head’ (single release)

There is something wonderfully infectious about a band that knows exactly how to grab your attention, turn up the volume and get the blood pumping. Circus 66 certainly achieve that with ‘Get Outside Your Head’, a wonderfully swaggering slice of melodic hard rock that comes bursting out of the speakers with an abundance of attitude, energy and downright rambunctious spirit.

This is a song that immediately demands movement. There is a real sense of fun running through its foundations, with a groove that gets under your skin and an infectious energy that makes sitting still something of a challenge. It has that wonderfully confident hard rock swagger, combining a punchy melodic sensibility with enough grit and attitude to give it a thoroughly engaging personality. The whole thing feels alive, vibrant and bursting with enthusiasm.

Matt Pearce’s guitar work is particularly infectious. That central riff is an absolute earworm, the sort of guitar hook that lodges itself firmly in your head and refuses to leave. It provides the song with a wonderfully muscular backbone, driving everything forward with a deliciously energetic edge. There is plenty of attitude in the delivery, but crucially, the melody never gets lost beneath the muscle. This is hard rock with hooks, personality and an unmistakable sense of purpose.

However, the real revelation for me is vocalist Annabelle Zaychenko. Quite simply, what a voice! I absolutely adore her performance here. She possesses a powerhouse delivery that is simultaneously stunning, powerful and hugely engaging. There is a wonderful confidence to her vocals, bringing an abundance of character and personality to the song. She has that ability to command attention without sounding forced, delivering every moment with conviction and an impressive sense of authority. Her voice gives the song an extra dimension, adding another layer of excitement to an already thoroughly entertaining piece of melodic hard rock.

Zaychenko is undoubtedly someone I want to hear much more from. There is something particularly appealing about her vocal style, and I find myself drawn to the sheer strength and character she brings to the performance. If this song is anything to go by, I may well have discovered a new favourite singer. That is quite an exciting prospect!

Circus 66 have certainly made an impression. I love the energy, the attitude and that wonderfully unruly hard rock vibe they bring to the table. There is a refreshing sense of exuberance here, a band clearly enjoying themselves and delivering their music with plenty of fire in their bellies. ‘Get Outside Your Head’ is not trying to reinvent the melodic hard rock wheel; instead, it concentrates on doing what this style does so brilliantly: big riffs, infectious grooves, powerful vocals and enough swagger to keep everything moving.

I will definitely be keeping a very close eye on Circus 66 following this introduction. If the rest of their material captures the same spirit and energy, then I suspect there could be plenty more to enjoy. And as for Annabelle Zaychenko? Well, I am already a very enthusiastic admirer.

‘Get Outside Your Head’ is a hugely enjoyable blast of swaggering melodic hard rock, powered by a killer guitar riff and a truly outstanding vocal performance. Circus 66 have my attention, and I have a feeling Annabelle Zaychenko may have just gained herself another very devoted fan.

Review by Woody