BESTIARIO II

The Circle Project is a Spanish initiative conceived by Ángel G. Lajarí, who neither sings nor plays any instruments but takes charge of production, art creation, and graphic design, as well as managing the project. The band's sound stands out for its creative approach, skillfully blending literature with a wide range of musical genres, with a special emphasis on art rock. The band's proposal is to offer a musical experience that transcends mere auditory enjoyment. Their compositions are not only sophisticated and intricate but also imbued with profound and captivating literary narratives that capture the imagination and hearts of those who immerse themselves in the world created by the group. By integrating storytelling elements with symphonic musical arrangements, the band delivers a fully immersive journey into their creative universe.

I find the genesis of The Circle Project quite intriguing. The concept for the band emerged from a series of discussions among members of the Spanish Facebook group Prog Circle. Dedicated to progressive rock and its various subgenres, this group served as a virtual meeting point for progressive music enthusiasts. It was in this space that a passion for music found fertile ground, allowing creative ideas to be shared and explored. The conversations and interactions within the group not only fostered an exchange of influences and experiences but also helped shape the vision and identity of the project that was about to take flight.

Bestiario II is the group's second album, and as the name suggests, it continues the theme explored in its predecessor. The concept remains centered on a fascinating collection of descriptions of creatures, whether real or mythical. Each track functions as an entry in a sonic bestiary, where meticulously crafted melodies and arrangements evoke the nature, mystery, and magic surrounding these subjects. Thus, Bestiario II not only complements the previous work but also expands the group's imaginative and sonic universe.

Although every track has its merits and is worth listening to, I'll comment on the ones I liked most. First, through a Manual De Criptozoología, a voice welcomes us on this new journey into the group's fascinating universe: "A long- awaited new book has come into our hands. We will once again travel through time and space with impossible, colorful, and arcane animals from distant lands and past oceans. To hear their songs, let us open the bestiary once more." Following this introductory narration, the album begins with "Mantícora," a mythical creature of Persian origin later incorporated into Greek mythology. It has the head of a man, the body of a lion, and the tail of a dragon or scorpion. The track begins with a solitary acoustic guitar, but soon other instruments join in, each bringing its own color and texture, enriching the composition and creating a harmony that gradually evolves. It's interesting to see such a delicate song symbolize such a ferocious creature. The idea might be to explore a narrative about the coexistence of strength and gentleness, or perhaps the deceptive nature of appearances.

"It's a kind of giant squid that lives in the abyssal depths. The excessive size of its tentacles creates large whirlpools ?similar to those of Charybdis in the Strait of Messina?and it can sink ships. Already mentioned in medieval bestiaries and by Jules Verne, it remains a mystery of the ocean, perhaps less known than our solar system" With these words. "Architeutis Dux - Kraken" is introduced. The sound production is expertly designed to reflect the vastness and darkness of the deep waters. The experimental arrangements are rich in textures and layers, creating a palpable sense of depth and complexity that embodies the legends surrounding this creature.

"Pardus Alatus Nero," a flying feline described in the narration preceding the song as "noble, strong, and muscular, capable of diving into the ocean during its flights to hunt seals, polar bears, and even sea lions. It descends into the depths in search of a mate, and once it finds its object of platonic love, it never forgets it, though it always returns to its place of origin." The track begins serenely, almost dreamlike. The acoustic guitar and hulusi?a Chinese wind instrument?dominate the piece for some time before a change of direction brings in the rhythm section and electric guitar, adding energy and weight to the track. This shift in sound can be interpreted as the moment the creature reveals its true nature, transitioning from calmness to a dominant and menacing presence.

"Meiga", here the band seems focused on portraying just one type of meiga; however, it's important to clarify that meigas can be categorized into different types, such as the "chuchona meigas," who drain the vital energy of people; the "meigas de mal," who are more malevolent and mentioned in the narration; and the "good meigas" or "meigas de bien," who are considered healers or protectors. Through a delicate soundscape created by layered keyboards and acoustic guitar, emotional vocals express the pain caused by a woman who crushed the singer's heart and cast a spell on him. The combination of music and narration?possibly a metaphor for emotional manipulation?connects with something broader and more mysterious.

"Rainbow Leprechaun", Leprechauns are creatures rooted in Irish mythology, often depicted as mischievous, solitary beings who guard pots of gold at the end of the rainbow. The concept of the "Rainbow Leprechaun" evolves this tradition, blending the magic and vibrant colors of rainbows. The song begins with a grand and dark atmosphere, characterized by symphonic arrangements that create a sense of mystery and depth. A transition introduces military-style drums accompanied by bass, leading the piece into a more robust territory with a rich instrumental arrangement. A brief melodica solo is followed by a guitar solo. After these highlights, the song returns to a serene sound guided by a delicate flute, maintaining tranquility until its conclusion. While it may be challenging to directly link the music to the creature, the grand and dark atmosphere at the start could illustrate the Rainbow Leprechaun?a figure shrouded in mystery and enigmatic allure.

"Tardo", this should not be confused with the legendary creature of the same name from Amazonian indigenous mythology. Here, it refers to the Galician Tardo, often portrayed as an entity inhabiting rural and forested areas. Its appearance blends human and animal traits, such as pointed ears or glowing eyes. It enjoys playing tricks on humans, causing them to get lost in forests or experience negative sensations like pain and nightmares. The song boasts a strong musicality, particularly through an energetic rhythmic section and symphonic keyboards. Meanwhile, the vocals are presented from the Tardo's perspective, portraying it as a powerful, menacing figure that manipulates and dominates the fears and anxieties of its target. The symphonic sense of grandeur and mystery in the music resonates with the folkloric and enigmatic nature of the creature.

"Papilio Evanescens", this is a butterfly with the ability to vanish. Initially a caterpillar, its abrupt disappearance after transforming into a butterfly is also associated with mystical characteristics, such as the ability to travel between worlds or dimensions. Musically, the song's first part stands out with its ethereal atmosphere, where layered female vocals?though performed by the same vocalist?float with celestial delicacy. In the song's core, an enchanting flute emerges accompanied by rhythmic percussion, adding a lightness to the beat. The rhythmic section then gains intensity, driving the song toward a more powerful direction. This shift is marked by a keyboard solo, followed by a guitar solo, both elevating the composition. In this way, "Papilio Evanescens" becomes a living metaphor for the music, embodying the transition from gentleness to intensity, from fragility to strength, all while maintaining its graceful and transcendent nature. Additionally, its ability to appear and disappear prompts us to question, through its closing lyrics, the mystery of what lies beyond death?contemplating life after death or the possibility of continuation in another realm.

"Draculis Scarabus", named after a creature with a glossy black shell adorned with scarlet markings that evoke vigilant eyes or sharp claws, these details amplify its intimidating appearance. Initially, solitary bass notes are joined by a soundscape reminiscent of a 1970s horror film. The music then transitions into a more electronic style, maintaining its atmospheric quality and adding subtle touches of psychedelia. Near the end, the drums intensify, joining the other instruments to create an almost distressing atmosphere. This track is perhaps the closest match to the creature it represents, with its sound embodying a dark essence and delivering a haunting experience akin to encountering the mentioned being.

As with the album's opening, the conclusion features a brief message from the Manual de Criptozoología, leaving open the possibility of a third installment: "The story ends, and according to the bestiary, thirteen new beings inhabit our imagination. Urbano Monte's map served as a canvas for another grand journey through strange and novel places. Let us close this manuscript now?perhaps another awaits."

Bestiário II is a captivating album woven with a rich and harmonious sonic tapestry. It stands out for its immersive melodies and the delicate harmony that permeates each track, creating a mesmerizing and engaging experience. The band's occasional ventures into heavier territories, with moments of intense musicality, provide effective contrasts to the album's overall softness.

Each song captures the essence of the creature it represents, offering a vivid and expressive sonic portrait. The transitions between gentleness and intensity are executed with elegance, allowing the album to tell diverse and rich stories anchored in a cohesive and sensitive narrative. In the end, Bestiário II invites listeners on a journey through a sonorous universe full of contrasts, where melodic beauty and musical strength intertwine harmoniously, always respecting the mythology and imagery evoked by each composition.