Aron Kirk writes music designed to reflect the ups and downs of real life, and to instil a sense of uneasiness in the listener. Not surprisingly then Brick Circus is a little out of the ordinary - as the cover art suggests. Instrumentation is a good blend of synths, piano, woodwinds, percussion, and a variety of samples and voice effects.

Something about the structure and tones on several tracks is reminiscent of Dwight Ashley & Tim Story. Indeed, Aron lists them as one of his major influences. I think it's the partly off-kilter aspect of the sound progressions - often they're neither discordant or melodic.

The opening track is “Brick Circus”. Sounds of a Calliope and distant people quickly give way to an uneasy repeating two note refrain and an occasional eerie cry of anguish. These basic elements are developed further in, along with a percussive and drum based rhythm, plus a simple melody of dully gleaming notes.

Upsetting the slow and modest tempo of the album so far is the piece “The Pleasure of Arson”. A funky rhythm and discordant guitar and fuzzy refrains begin alongside see-sawing tones like that of a fire engine's partly disguised siren in the distance. Briefly piquant notes play an upbeat melody, as though someone is thrilled by the bright and hypnotic dancing colour of a blazing fire. This piece has the urban energy, and also gunfire effects, encountered on Paul Lawler's The Bronx Age.

Possibly a nod to John Foxx's Catherdral Oceans is “I Prayed for the Damage” where an airy monastic voice wafts across the soundfield to a backdrop of slowly changing drones and a forlorn refrain.

Aron's aim to leave a feeling of unease has worked because even after several listening sessions I'm still ambivalent about Brick Circus. The music is careful constructed and the tones can be sonorous or intriguing, yet there's something oddly disquieting about it.
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Being a great fan of ambient music since it was invented by Mr. Eno, I listen to this type of music quite intense and know to tell wrong from right. In this context "Brick Circus" really is outstanding - you can hear the influences (like Eno, Nyman etc.), but they are reflected und expressed in a very individual, consequent way. An album that grows more and more each time you listen to it.
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Give me this album over any of the chart rubbish of today, a compelling journey into an ambient world. Splendid!
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Aron has made an excellent beginning with Brick Circus, and with all beginnings, it is a start of something that shows promise. Brick Circus is an example of things to come.

I very much enjoyed the release as a whole. To say it is dark or full of dark nostalgia would be a matter of personal taste; opinion. This listener thinks Brick Circus is not about the contrast of beauty and horror as some have said. Nor is it flavored with disturbing ambient content. Rather it is full of unresolved constructs or emotions if you will.

For me there were several treats/surprises... for example Aron lends his voice to a track. I don't want to give a clue where this shows up, as it would be best for it to be surprised like it was for me. In addition, Aron’s titles are very thought-full, my favorite, hands-down, is The Pleasure of Arson.

Dedloc without a doubt is my favorite track.  And it is because of Dedloc, without reservation I recommend buying this disc.


Brick Circus; a new show in town
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