Circus of Two - Rob Mattan + Reiner Schwarz

In the backroom grotto of the ancient and venerable Cameron House, a novelty played out with gratifying permutations to a supportive audience of peers and punks. The stage, littered with enough equipment to support any rock'n'roll band, was the playground for an odd duo (and a couple of guests) that offered a preview of a new project. Circus of Two worked their material with a charming, if tentative, enthusiasm both engaging and challenging, in a way I haven't seen since the last quarter of a previous century.

Reiner Schwarz' jazz-fueled drumming danced around Rob Mattan's music box keyboard and Apple-cheeked synthetics, slipping the tongue to Rob's sensuous basslines. I found myself alternately amused and engaged by their antics.

Reiner's spoken word segments were particularly delightful. Like voices heard across drifting sand dunes, his delivery was perfectly timed and often haunting. I'd enjoy listening to this guy read the phonebook! The material was obviously very personal and I felt like the recipient of a very private gift with each pause and verbal stroke.

Rob's juggling of keyboard and bass, often played simultaneously, had the quality of a magic show. His impish grin was infectious and insured that we were all in on the joke. There's a mammoth creativity lurking here... keep an eye on this fabulous beast!

Circus of Two offers substantial promise. Keep an ear to the ground for their next presentation... you won't be disappointed.