RoSfest – “Jefferson Airplane gone proggy? The smooth chemistry between co-lead vocalists Natalie Brown and Billy Spillane amidst soaring symphonic atmospheres evoked as much, especially in Brown’s Grace Slick-like phrasing…….played tightly despite recent lineup changes…..Bassist Harold Skeete, on emergency loan from Ad Astra, deftly negotiated difficult material and contributed a poignant rendition of ‘America the Beautiful’. New guitar virtuosos Beledo shined with dextrous chops complementing the leads and fills of keyboardist Andrew Colyer…….Violinist Joe Deninzon guested late in the set”
Counterpoint Review – 3.5 stars – “Varied melodies and styles from musical theater and jazz to classic rock and traditional prog…..symphonically soaring…..moves through multiple passages both playful and serious, while conveying a lyrical theme…..multiple yet interdependent sonic perspectives…..”
Thank you so much to John Collinge and Michael Popke!
Circuline received a two-page Feature in PROG Magazine 69! Following a 45-minute Skype interview with Andrew Colyer and Darin Brannon, rock journalist Rich Wilson wrote a great story about Circuline’s past, present, and future, including tales of Downing Grey, founding guitarist Bill Shannon’s departure, first album learning experiences, and the new album Counterpoint.
Marillion graced the cover with a 12-page article, and other features included Barclay James Harvest, Aisles, The Pineapple Thief, Russian Circles, Dream The Electric Sleep, Wolverine, and Ashley Hutchings.
Thank you so much to Jerry Ewing, Rich Wilson, and everyone at PROG Magazine!
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!
“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
Special Thanks to Marty Dorfman and Rob Rutz for interviewing Circuline members Natalie Brown, William “Billy” Spillane, Darin Brannon, and Andrew Colyer after the 13th International Rites of Spring Festival (RoSfest)! Click the link below for the replay:
