Sea of Tranquility Reviews “C.O.R.E.”
Thank you so much, Sea of Tranquility and Steven Reid, for reviewing Circuline’s new album, C.O.R.E. !!
https://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=24925
PROG Magazine (UK) Gives Outstanding Review for “C.O.R.E.”
Thank you so much, PROG Magazine, Jerry Ewing, and Phil Weller, for this fantastic review of C.O.R.E. !!
Here is the entire review, reprinted in full below:
“Revamped proggers return with their most accomplished LP yet.“
“The third album from New Yorkers Circuline is buoyed by the addition of a pair of Brits in the shape of Lifesigns guitarist Dave Bainbridge and Kyros’s Shelby Logan Warne on bass. The songwriting is still handled by the core trio, keyboardist Andrew Colyer, drummer Darin Brannon and vocalist Natalie Brown, but the newcomers aren’t just making up the numbers.
The transition from sky-skimming guitar solo to choral hook in “You” makes it feel like an instant prog classic. “All”, driven by Logan Warne’s intricate bass line, sheds it skin to reveal new layers coloured by sparkling vocal melodies, fusion flavours and classical sprinklings. On “Transmission Error”, aggressive instrumentation locks horns over odd time signatures, while the acoustic “Temporal Thing” blossoms into a Mellotron-glazed finale at home in Mikael Akerfeldt’s record collection.
Naturally, the album offers many spotlights for its individual talent to dazzle. “Blindside” finds Bainbridge peeling off a boldly bluesy solo and “Say Their Name” a chance for Brannon to doff his cap to “Discipline”-era King Crimson as Circuline play every ace up their sleeve.”
PROG, Jerry, and Phil – from the bottom of our heart, we can’t thank you enough for these kind words.
Profil Prog (Quebec) Gives Great Review for “C.O.R.E.”
Thank you so much, Profil Prog (Quebec) and Philippe Andre (France), for this fantastic review of C.O.R.E. !!
Here is the entire review, translated and reprinted in full below:
“Why is the album called “C.O.R.E.”? The 2014 trio has been enriched for the new album by Dave BAINBRIDGE (IONA, LIFESIGNS & many more) & Shelby Logan WARNE (KYROS), no less, progressive heavyweights in different registers.
I might as well tell you right away, I enjoyed the opening track “Tempus Horribilis” (9/10) the split vocals, the choirs, it’s damn well done in the genre, guitars and keyboards as accompaniment rather than soloists. My favorite track in fourth position “All” (10/10) with a monstrous introduction by Shelby Logan WARNE on bass guitar, modern progressive where all the instruments lead a wild saraband, a big bravo for this one.
The very good “You” and its superb instrumental start, a bit rootsy, Natalie BROWN’s singing chanted more than really sung, energizing and catchy at the same time (8/10) and Dave BAINBRIDGE at the top of his guitar art. The penultimate track “Blindside”, the only one sung by Andrew COLYER, very good by the way is a mid tempo quite west coast that could come out of an album by the EAGLES, POCO or the DOOBIE BROTHERS (9/10), Dave’s guitar really lighting it up from 3:22.
“Third Rail” the shortest track, sounds like a supercharged RENAISSANCE (7/10) good piece, but below on the whole album, even if Alek DARSON (guest) sets it on fire at 2:52. “Say Their Name” begins with delicacy, piano, acoustic guitar and Natalie BROWN’s calm voice before taking off for more energetic from the middle of the song propelled by Darin BRANNON’s drums under the fire of Dave BAINBRIDGE’s six strings (8/10). I found the fifth title “Temporal Thing” a bit messy, listenable without more (7/10), more rock than really progressive, even if the final part is more melodic.
The last word for the last title “Transmission Error” which peaks at nine minutes twenty-two, mid tempo again but totally progressive in its unfolding with a distinguished guest on violins (acoustic and electric) Joe DENINZON who joined a few months ago the legendary American combo of TOPEKA, I named obviously KANSAS, a (9/10) well deserved, a very little sung piece, barely two minutes in its entirety, which requires many listens to be fully tamed, the passage at 7:33 takes us directly to “Song for America”, no less.
Take your time with CIRCULINE, a record that requires patience to be fully appreciated.”
Profil Prog and Philippe – Thank you so much for these kind words.
Skylight Magazine (Greece) Gives Rave Review for “C.O.R.E.”
Thank you so much, Billy Yfantis, for this fantastic review of C.O.R.E. !!
Here is the entire review, reprinted in full below:
“Circuline’s album C.O.R.E. is an exciting journey through the sounds of current progressive rock, combining complicated musicianship with an in-depth respect for the genre’s origins. The album, which has eight tracks, illustrates the band’s ability to combine technical brightness with emotional depth, providing listeners with a musically diverse and artistically challenging experience. Here is a short review of every track:
Tempus Horribilis: The album’s first track, “Tempus Horribilis,” has dreamy synth pads similar to Ozric Tentacles. The production quality is excellent, resulting in a deep, realistic soundtrack with each element distinct. The sophisticated orchestration, which is clearly visible in the mix, is enhanced by Moog noises and a strong bass line. The vocal lines echo the spirit of 1970s Yes, particularly the Close to the Edge period, establishing the groundwork for a pleasant and delightful travel through today’s progressive rock terrain.
Third Rail: Beginning with a gentle interplay of piano and violins, “Third Rail” takes the listener into a ballad mood. Although the Yes influence persists, this music tends toward an emotionally charged song with powerful vocals. While complicated, the music encourages further interaction, providing a musical journey that is meditative and sophisticated.
Say Their Name: This tune uses ethereal synth pads and classical guitar to create a dreamy atmosphere. The strong usage of piano contributes to the ballad’s 1970s inspiration, including additional influences from bands such as Renaissance. The track’s peak is the sudden break at 3:19, when military percussion unexpectedly halts the dream, only to be followed by a prog-infused wrath that is exciting.
All: Beginning with a strong bass line, “All” features the band’s distinctive complicated orchestration. The ethereal nature of the synthesizers goes back to early Marillion, proving Circuline’s commitment to carrying the progressive rock torch with enthusiasm and accuracy.
Temporal Thing: The tune “Temporal Thing” begins with acoustic guitar virtuosity and merges jazz and prog elements to create an emotional ballad. The song stands out for its smooth shifts in pace, scale, and mood, showing the band’s variety and musical depth.
You: “You” adds a contemporary touch to the record, with an electric guitar riff inspired by Tool. The orchestration is heavier here, yet it still keeps an enigmatic and mysterious quality, proving the band’s talent to marry conventional prog components with up-to-date sounds.
Blindside: Beginning with a calm piano, “Blindside” offers a lyrical relief with a folk flavor from its acoustic guitar sections. Despite the gentler tone, prog elements remain, resulting in a lovely ballad that adds depth and variety to the record.
Transmission Error: The album concludes with “Transmission Error,” an outstanding prog piece that reflects Dream Theater’s technical genius. The complex guitar work and jazzy rhythms are well balanced by futuristic synth lines, resulting in a multi-layered piece that epitomizes serious progressive rock.
Each track provides a unique experience, ranging from the dreamy and ethereal to the technically challenging and emotionally powerful. The band’s ability to combine the old and new, paying respect to the genre’s greats while establishing their own path, establishing this album a must-listen for anybody interested in the “progression” of progressive rock.”
An addition, Billy personally wrote this to Circuline bandleader Andrew Colyer: “I was listening to your album with headphones so as to understand the sound of the album and the technical details. You have done an amazing work, especially regarding the mix and mastering! In terms of orchestration, the album is like watching an adventure movie as you do not know what comes up next! Congrats man, you are one of the few people around that keeps releasing professional Prog music.”
Billy – we can’t thank you enough for these kind words.
Artists and Bands (Italy) Reviews “C.O.R.E.”
Thank you so much, Gianluca Livi, for reviewing Circuline’s fifth product, our third studio album, C.O.R.E. !
https://www.artistsandbands.org/ver2/recensioni/recensioni-album/11576-circuline-core
Four years after ” Circulive New View “, the third studio album by the Americans Circuline is released , once again for Inner Nova Music , a New York label founded in 2014 by Andrew Colyer , leader of the band .
The American band’s proposal ranges widely between apparently distant genres, always starting from a clearly progressive basic setting: with ” All “, for example, we navigate in progressive territory, with a proposal balanced between the old style influences of Starcastle and Relayer , groups clearly devoted to the old-fashioned Yes , and, remaining in US territory, the compelling dynamism of Kansas and Spock’s Beard ; “ Tempus Horribilis ” boasts an almost Canterbury-like final direction (unfortunately not sublimated by the initial post-rock , frankly not very contextualized), while ” Third Rail ” presents interesting glimpses of an almost medieval nature and ” Temporal Thing ” and ” Say Their Name ” boast clear and highly appreciated fusion influences.
That said, ” CORE ” certainly deserves attention, looking to the past with renewed interest, always proposed in mature and renewed terms, if not courageous, due to a modus operandi that is never standardized and/or predictable.
For collectors, it should be noted that the work that arrived in the editorial office is sublimated by a beautiful digipack package , embellished with two posters (each measuring 50x30cm) and a slightly smaller insert.
“An Album That Demands Attention” – JMM Reviews Circuline
Thank you so much, Jace Media Music, for the glowing review for Circuline’s new album C.O.R.E.!
“A prog rock journey you can’t miss…..a must-listen for fans of the genre…..a significant evolution for the band, combining their signature progressive sound with fresh, innovative elements that appeal to both die-hard fans and newcomers alike…..a product of meticulous in-house creativity…..The band’s effort to create shorter, radio-friendly pop-rock songs, alongside their natural long-form storytelling, results in an eclectic mix that broadens their appeal……an eclectic and ambitious album that bridges the gap between classic progressive rock and contemporary sensibilities…..a formidable force in the progressive rock landscape…..elements of modern and classic progressive rock…..both familiar and innovative…..an album that demands attention and deserves a place in your collection. So, roll down those windows, turn up the volume, and embark on this exhilarating musical journey with Circuline.”