CIRCLE TAKES THE SQUARE

Circle Takes The Square are truly one of the most wonderful bands to ever grace my ears - the intense vocals, the shatteringly chaotic and heavy hardcore base and wonderful post rock interludes create one of the most densely original albums ever released. After writing a biography for their artist entry, and listening to their sample tracks, I became more and more convinced that what I was hearing was truly special. After finally picking up this album some 6 months later, and after many listens, what has been unveiled seems to be so much more. A simply perfect album, and easily one of the best I own - This album scrapes, and perhaps breaks into, my top 10 albums of all time.

As a band, Circle Takes The Square are one of the most musically tight and inventive I've heard ever. The vocals are quite literally frighteningly emotive - perhaps the most melodic, effective, punishingly articulate and interesting vocals in their own unique context. Kathy and Drew are two of the finest harsh vocalists, and as a melodic duo, they remain unmatched in modern hardcore. Jay Wynne is quite easily one of the most technically and creatively competent drummers I've ever heard, and I doubt any other could have pulled off his wonderful effort with such ferocity. The hardcore sound is there, but experimented with in such a clever and unique fashion, and always avoiding the usual double-kick blastbeats which are overused in the genre. The band has created some of the most unique rhythmic-melodic riffage combos ever.

The albums opens with a slow chant, and then with the words 'Rejoice, REJOICE A NOBLE BIRTH' the explosion begins. The chaos is unmatched and the layering is so delicately perfect, heavy and slamming rhythm is nearly demonic in sound. This band so delicately mixes hardcore, (what many music listeners refer to as) screamo, post-rock, classic rock, heavy metal and alt. rock in such a unique texture, and the result, as aformentioned, is nothing less than stunning.

The chaotic hops from near noise-metal sounds into soft, perfectly structured sections are flawlessly carried out, and the heaviness is carried out in such a non-typically dark way, often sounding helpless, as if an out cry for help, or a threat filled with deep hatred. The emotion is so pure and raw here - Sometimes it sounds like the vocals are literally screamed from someone who is crying deeply, and I've yet to once again hear such deeply full vocals.

There are no standouts here - other than the 8 which make up the album. Similarly, I can pick out no weak tracks. My favourites as of now are 'Interview At The Ruins' and 'A Crater To Cough In', both of which have soft buildups and heart-stabbingly emotive and heavy outros. This crescendo is often used by the band to great effect, and rightly so - when a band have perfected such an art so thoroughly, why would they not use it so?

All in all, this is one of the most progressive, in a literal sense, albums released in years. A truly commendable effort, and easily worthy of the funds, attention and praise of any music listener. Many of the experiences from listening to this album will go with me to the grave, it is such a deeply effective album that it stuns me.

5/5, easily. I cannot wait to hear whatever this masterful trio pulls off next, and I have no doubt that it will be of similar brilliance. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!