Circus of Power practically personified New York's sleaze rock scene during the late '80s and early '90s. Despite the band's failure to reach radio or MTV acceptance, they managed several major-label releases and toured with some of the biggest names in rock. The group's music and image had an edge that -- while similar to many of America's post-Guns N' Roses gutter-centric outfits -- reflected their all-important New York City roots. Their urban jungle was a different one; it was more jungle-like in its toughness and stark reality. Unfortunately, the contrast inherent in the L.A. gutter rock of L.A. Guns and other West Coast bands was exactly what made them mysterious and interesting to their fans. Circus of Power came off as tough alright, but their borrowed lifestyle message seemed out of place at best. Despite all this, the band deserves some credit for their capable songcraft and singer Alex Mitchell's better-than-average voice.
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