UNIVERSAL CIRCLES

The following dialog was picked up by prog intelligence units: Sentry Post 12 to Base Commander- intruders detected! Please advise BC : Where exactly? SP12 : Third Quadrant , sir ! BC: What do you see ? SP12 : for now, Universal Circles , expertly concealed. What are your orders ? BC: Just listen for now and follow their every move, do not lose them!

Third Quadrant released albums in 1982 and 1988, promptly vanishing from the radar screens as if stealth technology had shown up to mask their movements, I actually have the latter "Layered" album and remember liking it without waving any white flag of surrender. Thirty-six years later, they reappear, three of the four original members showing up for rollcall. David Forster (guitars, bass and vocals), Chris Dunn (keyboards and vocals) and Chris Hare (drums) are now joined by Clive Mollart on added keyboards. The definition of patience, Sun Tzu would be proud!

"Relentless" sets the tone, a dual keyboard assault with intricate synthesizer weaving in and out of the bass and drum minefield, supported by guitar, piano, pipe organ and mellotron brigades and harangued by shrouded vocal work from the two commanding officers. Imagine a much proggier version of Ultravox, as every one of the 6 tracks are 8 minutes or more and arranged with clever transitional variations that still keep the fighting spirit unyielding! This is a stunning first salvo!

Perhaps a code word for a specific maneuver, the camouflaged attack of "Delta Passing " suggests a resolute anthemic quality, melodically suave, with soaring vocal lamentations, and intensely cinematographic battle footage that has a palpable sense of courage under fire. Voice effects add to the sweeping mellotron and synth bombardments, as the shrieking electric guitar detonations blast through the smoke choked engagement, elevating the yearning for victory at all costs! Impressive. No time for R and R, as they rapidly lay siege to the fortress with the monumental "Spiral", a decidedly more electronic take, with pinging synths brutally ramming into ponging organs, a painstakingly effective groove laid down like suppressive artillery fire. Before long, the sweeping symphonic melody kicks through the battlements, twisting beyond the crumbling defenses, penetrating deep into the heart of the fight. Spinetingling and brazen, the bass guitar-led pulse shatters through the line, like tanks on a rampage. The pleading begins, "ooh, ooh, ooh" joining the "aah, aah, aah", the synthesizer flares exploding in air, the valiant determination bent on fearlessly forging on. Absolute slayer track, deserving of constant airplay.

There is mercy shown in triumph , prisoners taken and cared for humanely , "The Kindness of Strangers" is a harrowing symphonic ballad, with melancholic overtones, and orchestrated accordingly. The robust bass guitar has a New Order feel to it, boldly up near the frontlines, as the immense chanting vocal delivery showcases an astounding ability to wail each note as if pleading for some well-deserved peace. An ultra cool jazzy guitar swirl adds a sense of relief to all the sensorial overkill, with an extended organ, piano synth solo in particular, doing wonders of the aching ears. The bombastic finale is amazing, absolutely splendid playing by the entire platoon.

The heroic, nearly 13 minute long "Dim and Distant Futures" is the other eradicating highlight, with a surly Hammond and synth onslaught, throttling rhythmic support from the glorious bass and drum specialists only adding to the thrill. When the magnificent vocal line introduces the haunting melody, the tingling begins as the door opens into another realm altogether, a swooping shimmer, a faint glimmer ahead, a more forceful second breath, with athletic, brazen, and intricate variations. This is a full-on progressive delight with a timeless sound, effortlessly transporting the listener to somewhere else, the grandiose mellotron strings surely are to blame for the heart stopping cannonade one feels in their chest. This could become a classic , if given some airplay. I have surrendered !

Just like an endless beginning , the sprawling "Big Circle" seals the crimson wax on the armistice , weapons ultimately laid down, heads bowed in respect, ready to face the future once again, with hope for a truly better world. This solemn composition is another gliding anthem, a softer, longer and more poignant version of "Astradyne", the instrumental opener off the Ultravox Vienna album.

This 2024 release is a massive surprise that thoroughly deserves a wider audience, as the music expressed has all the inherent qualities that define a masterwork. Repeated listens have only verified and confirmed my immediate appreciation and ultimately love for this scintillating work. Do not miss out on this one, regret is a terrible burden.

5 Colossal orbs

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