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Circuline — C.O.R.E.
(Inner Nova IN202401, 2024, CD)

by Jon Davis, Published 2024-11-07

C.O.R.E. Cover art

Fans of theatrical progressive rock have a new album to scratch their musical itch. Circuline’s C.O.R.E. features eight tracks of their familiar sound. For what it’s worth, the title is an abbreviation for Circuline Original Reimagined Evolving, referring to personnel changes in the band. Andrew Colyer (keyboards, vocals), Darin Brannon (drums), and Natalie Brown (vocals) remain from the band’s previous incarnation, now joined by Shelby Logan Warne (bass) and Dave Bainbridge (guitar), plus a guest appearance by violinist Joe Deninzon on one track. (Former vocalist Billy Spillane gets some co-writing credits, but doesn’t appear.) Bainbridge is of course no stranger here at Exposé, as we’ve covered his solo releases as well as work with Strawbs and Iona. Looking back at my reviews of precious Circuline albums, I’ve had somewhat mixed reactions — relatively positive for Return, mostly negative for Circulive — but this is a case where the change has done them good. I’m still not 100% on board with their sometimes middle-of-the-road tunes, but on the whole there’s not much of that here. Lyrical duties are shared around the band, with Brown having the greatest share, and the music is all credited jointly. Bainbridge’s guitar work is outstanding, as usual, with lots of different sounds, from finger-picked acoustic to soaring electric and slide. Colyer’s keyboards are good as well, and even include some Mellotron sounds, which I don’t recall hearing from him before. My favorite track is probably the ominous “You,” with its throbbing drums, low guitars, eerie Mellotron strings, and weird percussion. For its finale, the song jumps into a big vocal section a bit reminiscent of a classic Yes song. The album finishes off with “Transmission Error,” the longest track, also the most musically complex, with interesting rhythms and many contrasting sections. Circuline’s brand of progressive rock should appeal to many, and is in the same ballpark as IZZ, though less oriented towards the instrumental side.

Filed under: New releases, 2024 releases

Related artist(s): Joe Deninzon (Stratospheerius), Dave Bainbridge, Circuline, Andrew Colyer

More info
http://innernovamusic.com/pages/preorder-core

 

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