...And the Circus Leaves Town cover

...And the Circus Leaves Town

Kyuss

Album 1995

About this album

Sound: "A sprawling odyssey of heavy riffs and hypnotic grooves, blending stoner rock with experimental elements."

Where they were

Released on June 11, 1995, ...And the Circus Leaves Town was Kyuss's fourth and final studio album before their breakup. At this point, the band had already established themselves as pioneers of the stoner rock genre, following their influential records such as Blues for the Red Sun and Welcome to Sky Valley. This album marked a shift toward more expansive and atmospheric compositions, showcasing their willingness to experiment.

Why it matters

...And the Circus Leaves Town is notable for its critical acclaim, often recognized as a landmark release in the stoner rock genre. Despite a lackluster commercial performance upon release, it has since influenced numerous bands within heavy music and contributed to a resurgence of interest in Kyuss's unique sound. The album has maintained a significant cultural presence, often appearing in lists of essential albums from the 1990s.

Essential tracks

  • "One Inch Man" — This track encapsulates Kyuss's signature blend of heavy riffs and catchy melodies, making it an anthem for stoner rock enthusiasts.
  • "Gloria Lewis" — With its infectious groove and dynamic shifts, this song showcases the band's ability to create engaging and memorable hooks within their heavy sound.
  • "Catamaran" — The track features an expansive instrumental section that exemplifies the band's adventurous spirit, pushing boundaries while remaining rooted in their stoner rock foundation.
  • "Spaceship Landing / M’deea / Day One" — This epic closing track combines various styles and tempos into a cohesive journey, reflecting the band's experimental approach during this phase.

Release Date

June 11, 1995

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

  1. 1 Hurricane 2:42
  2. 2 One Inch Man 3:31
  3. 3 Thee Ol’ Boozeroony 2:47
  4. 4 Gloria Lewis 4:02
  5. 5 Phototropic 5:13
  6. 6 El Rodeo 5:36
  7. 7 Jumbo Blimp Jumbo 4:40
  8. 8 Tangy Zizzle 2:39
  9. 9 Size Queen 3:47
  10. 10 Catamaran 3:00
  11. 11 Spaceship Landing / M’deea / Day One 34:04