New York, NY — Circus Mind returns with their sixth single since May, and this month’s release, “What a Mess,” marks a striking shift in tone; the band’s first-ever ballad. Known for their groove-driven energy and adventurous blend of funk, rock, and soul, Circus Mind takes a contemplative turn here, delivering a track that is as emotionally resonant as it is musically rich.
“What a Mess” finds the Circus crew in a beautifully dark space, where lush production and a moody groove invite listeners to sway and reflect. At its heart, the song is a lament on the fractured state of America; a divided nation worn down by chaos, misinformation, and fatigue. Songwriter and frontman Mark Rechler channels this disillusionment into a plea for empathy and unity,
addressing both a lost friend and a broken world. “I guess I was pissed off when I wrote this one,” Rechler admits. “It’s just a frustrating time to exist. We’re
being intentionally divided and manipulated. I’m worried about the future, I’m just pleading for people to come together, now more than ever.”
Musically, “What a Mess” drips with vintage soul and classic rock textures, featuring stunning backing vocals from Cenophia Mitchell and shimmering
pedal steel by Skip Krevens. The result is a soundscape that feels both nostalgic and urgent, echoing the timeless craftsmanship of artists like Elton John, Leon Russell, Billy Joel, The Allman Brothers, and Steely Dan. With “What a Mess,” Circus Mind showcases their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots, offering listeners a song that feels like both a reckoning and a release.
ABOUT CIRCUS MIND:
Circus Mind is a New York-based rock outfit and the brainchild of ringleader Mark Rechler. The band’s latest release “Bioluminate”, a delightful mashup of rock and Nola funk mixed with late-Beatles pop, received rave reviews from Relix, The
Rocktologist and countless other entertainment news outlets. The band features
Mark Rechler on Keys and Vocals, Brian Duggan on Guitar, Michael Amendola on Sax, Mathew Fox on Bass, Steve Finkelstein on Percussion and Dan Roth on Drums. Circus Mind is able to daringly swing from jazzy grooves to reggae roots then shoot out of a cannon into rock without missing a beat.
The boys deliver a modern take on influences such as Traffic, Steely Dan, Little Feat and Mott the Hoople while mixing in NoLa influences likeDr. John, The Meters and The Neville Brothers. Over the course of their career, Circus Mind has performed at Jazz Fest, The Fat Friday Annual Mardi Gras Ball, Brooklyn Bowl,
The Capitol Theatre, B.B. King’s and many other prestigious venues.
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