THE CIRCLE NEVER ENDS

STROBE disbanded in 2001 and this is their masterpiece probably. Counting guest musician Demian Castellanos they have not less than four guitarists involved here - a compact, lush sound is guaranteed. The songs are made up with a splendid ratio of structure and jamming. The band takes time enough to let the songs evolve. Vocals play a more important role compared to many other space rock productions because they aditionally invited a female singer. Jo Taylor 'sings' nearly lacking of any lyrics - more operating like an additional instrument. This serves a special charme and intensifies something like a trance mood - similar to the output of US act Melting Euphoria which comes into my mind. But basically, as could be supposed, this sounds very british.

The dynamic opener Negative Sky immediately surprises because Mitch's voice matches with Tony McPhee ... and so this comes like The Groundhogs have converted to play proper space rock furthermore. Supported by Jo Tayler the follower Perihelion is really spiralling out into the cosmos due to the soaring guitars. Einheit is dedicated to the synths mostly, they are twittering, go head over heals, backed by a repetitive rhythm and guitar work. STROBE also fall into an impressive groove in between, which turns this to an interesting composition by all means.

The title song holds a quite perfect symbiosis of a spacey touch and catchy melodic rocking elements, even provided with the option to sing along. Ancient Voices is specifically marked by a repetitive trancy behaviour and finally Future Echoes can be treated as the album's core, epic, nearly 16 minutes long, initiated by a genre typical gliding flow. With much tension the song gradually evolves to something vibrant.

'The Circle Never Ends' shines with excellent songwriting. This means the album is well thoughtout, not solely reduced on trippy spacey improvisations. STROBE are a recommended space rock band with a strong british flavour, to mention the distinctive vocals at first. They don't belong to the best-known acts of this genre and never caused furore really what I know. However, it's worth it to give this album a try, the predecessor 'Maya' equally by the way.