Circuline’s new album Counterpoint received an excellent review in the UK’s Classic Rock Society magazine!
“Confident in its vision…..a very particular style…..What we have here is drama – big, bombastic, epic progressive rock with everything turned up to 11. The production is massive…..two excellent lead vocalists in Natalie Brown and Billy Spillane, so add Colyer’s third vocal and we have some very effective harmonies…..the music matches the production…..Colyer’s dominant keyboards are excellent throughout, recalling Keith Emerson particularly…..short instrumental vignettes are also nicely used…..high on quality and craft…..for those that like their prog powerful and dramatic, it’s a must listen.”
Thank you so much to Miles, David, and SL at Classic Rock Society for this review!
Thank you so much to Martin Hutchinson from ProgRadar for such a spectaular review of Circuline’s new album, “Counterpoint”!
Dynamic guitars dominate the soundscape, interspersing with the keyboards like some ELP-esque monster. It’s forceful and influential Prog with a vivid outlook…..highly impressive…..a huge wave of sound engulfs you with its magnificence…..the vocals..are theatrical to the max, superbly interplay between [Billy Spillane] and Natalie Brown….. laid back, chilled sections that occasionally grace your aural sensors, they give you a sweet respite from the upsurging music that hits you square on the jaw but always leaves you smiling…..artful and dramatic…..the feel that you are in an actual theatre, enjoying a musical show…..heartfelt and moving…..definite hints of Glass Hammer and even Dream Theater…..the instrumental sections are really convoluted and complex…..there is something for everyone…..just excellent songwriting and musicianship…..the cinematic overtones are there in spades…..vigorous drumbeat adding to that high energy aura…..the vocals hit the spot…..clever integration of the complexities of progressive rock infused with some powerful rock elements to give that cinematic feel…..thoughtful and contemplative…..a superlative listening experience, a musical journey that, once traveled, you are happy to return to time after time….. like the perfect recipe from some masterchefs of the musical world…..lush vocals laid before us…..grin inducing guitar solos and keyboard runs abound and you are just left floating in a world of musical well-being…..you are left wanting for nothing with this band’s repertoire and it is shown to the full…..I have to admit, by the end of this album, I am left feeling that I have been spoiled by the music and talent on offer.
PROG Magazine Issue 67 features Circuline in THREE places! 1.) The Limelight Award nomination. 2.) News column about the new album. 3.) RoSfest performance, with a great head shot of co-lead singer Billy Spillane. Thank you so much to Jerry Ewing and the whole staff at Classic Rock Presents PROG.
“Forbidden Planet” – Music by Andrew Colyer and Darin Brannon. Lyrics and vocal melodies by Randy McStine. Additional vocal harmonies by Andrew Colyer, Natalie Brown, and William Spillane. Guest guitarist is Alek Darson (Fright Pig, Meridian Voice Project).
Circuline’s newest release, “Counterpoint” (May 2016), features an All-Star lineup of SEVEN guest guitarists: Randy McStine (The Fringe, Lo-Fi Resistance); Doug Ott (Enchant); Alek Darson (Fright Pig, Meridian Voice Project); Ryche Chlanda (Fireballet, Renaissance, Flying Dreams); Alan Shikoh (Glass Hammer); Matt Dorsey (Sound of Contact, Dave Kerzner); and Stanley Whitaker (Happy the Man, Oblivion Sun). The compositional team of Colyer/Brannon returned for this second album, partnered with the songwriting of McStine, and the vocal arrangements of Spillane/Brown/Colyer. Immediately, the album started garnering praise and new fans.
Performing original cinematic progressive rock, Circuline was founded in 2014 when former progressive rock tribute band Downing Grey members Andrew Colyer (keyboards, vocals), Bill Shannon (guitars, vocals), and Darin Brannon (drums, percussion) had a burning desire to write original material. Lead vocalists Billy Spillane and Natalie Brown were up for the challenge, having performed in countless venues as singers, actors, dancers, and rock musicians. New guitarist Beledo (as of January 2016) brings a whole new dimension to the band’s compositions and live performances.
Circuline’s debut album, “Return” (released Spring 2015), featured Guest Artists Matt Dorsey (Sound of Contact) on bass, Randy McStine (Lo-Fi Resistance) as a songwriter and vocalist, and Joe Deninzon (Stratospheerius) on electric violin. Paul Ranieri (Shadow Eden, Mark Wood Rock Orchestra) joined the lineup as touring bassist in late 2014, and joined the band for their second album starting in summer 2015.
Art direction, graphic design, and video editing: Darin Brannon
Band marketing: Andrew Colyer
Band management and booking: Thomas Palmieri of NicJoy Productions
Legal Management: Ronald Bienstock
Photography by Rob Shannon (Fotopic.com)
Much needed sarcasm and general snarkiness: Natalie Brown
