The Circles Around the Sun “Meets Joe Russo” EP has officially been released, marking the band’s final complete release with founding guitarist Neal Casal (Casal did, however, contribute to an unfinished album arriving in 2020.)
The EP clocks in at four tracks, and according to a recent interview with keyboardist Adam MacDougall, Circles Around the Sun recorded it in March 2019 in New York. “We didn’t really have much prepped,” he said . “We had two days in Brooklyn, and it was awesome. Russo is incredible. He was a kick-starter for us. He has ideas and knows how to make something happen. If we were sitting scratching our heads, he was ready to go in the room and start playing something. He was a catalyst for creativity.”
MacDougall later added, “The EP is a very special moment in time. Having Russo in the room made everyone play in a certain character. Everyone put on a different hat for those two days. I really like it. It’s very free.”
Russo joined Circles Around The Sun for a late-night jam at the LOCKN’ festival in August, in a performance that would sadly be known as Casal’s final time onstage with The Circles Around the Sun. (In the time since, the late-night Garcia’s Forest stage at LOCKN’ has been renamed Neal’s Stage at Garcia’s Forest.)
In the time since Casal’s passing, Eric Krasno has taken on the mantle of lead guitar in Circles Around the Sun. He made his debut with the band at the “There’s A Reward” Casal tribute at the Capitol Theatre, and he will continue perform with them through their fall tour.
Circles Around The Sun Meets Joe Russo – EP, out October. 18th
The Fat Angel Sings 