Circus Mind is known for their freewheeling jam sensibilities, but with their latest single, “Viking Princess,” that sound is distilled into a tightly wound, blues-soaked psychedelic statement. Confident in its groove and unapologetic in its attitude, this is Circus Mind at its finest.
At its core, Viking Princess is built on a gritty blues foundation, with overdriven guitars and a thick, rolling bassline. But Circus Mind resists the temptation to play it straight, and blends in harmonica lines with swirling organ textures in between. Guest guitarist Scott Metzger comes in at the midway mark with a scorching guitar solo, adding a sense of color and chaos to the track.
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Lyrically, Viking Princess plays with mythic imagery while grounding it in a contemporary setting. The titular character is less a literal Norse figure and more an archetype: commanding, overwhelming and enigmatic. There’s a sense of awe at the start, but the narrator’s tone eventually builds up to a point where you realize it’s time to cut ties with the so-called princess.
There’s a theatricality in the phrasing that fits the band’s larger-than-life aesthetic. Circus Mind seems fully aware of the over-the-top grandeur in invoking Viking royalty, and that self-awareness gives the lyrics charm, preventing them from veering into slapstick while still embracing their epic flair.
The production on this single is warm and analog-tinged with a mix that privileges texture. You can feel the grit in the guitar tone, the woody resonance of the bass, and the air moving through the harmonica. Vocals sit front and center, slightly rough around the edges in a way that complements the blues foundation.
Viking Princess showcases Circus Mind at their most streamlined and potent. The band retains their jam-driven DNA while proving they can channel that spirit into a focused, hook-driven single. It’s a bold, groove-heavy offering that doesn’t just invite you in; it pulls you aboard and sets sail.
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