Review: Circles - Still.

There's something special about being introduced to a band by putting the needle down on their record and standing in front of your speakers in anticipation. Thanks to Extinction Burst Records, that is how I first heard CIRCLES and their sophomore album Still..

I wasn't sure what to expect, but judging by the source and the cover art, I thought melodic post-hardcore was a safe bet. And it sure was! However, Circles does not sound exactly like I had guessed they would. Given the flowery artwork, I immediately jumped to DC bands from the later aughts like Lion Of Judah and Give. Aesthetically, they're a match, but not so much on record. To be fair, all three bands seem to operate with the same level of artistic freedom. I'd argue that aligns them more than any sounds could.

On Still., Circles oscillate between straightforward melodic hardcore akin to Dag Nasty or 7 Seconds and the "Revolution Summer" style that eventually became *gulp* emo. I don't like using that word. Even if I love certain bands and records from the genre, calling something emo feels like a not-so-discreet way of saying wimpy and lame. Maybe I'm just poisoned by *gulp* toxic masculinity, but I never said I was perfect!

Vocalist Guillaume Salort has a nasally delivery that can be shrill when he holds out notes, but mostly the higher pitch fits the friendly vibe of the band. Friendly vibe? Yeah, there's a lot of that! Just check out the tambourine and acoustic guitar on the second track "Giants." Though the minute you put your guard down, the band comes barrelling out of the speakers with the hard-charging hardcore of "Bloom." From there they follow up with the Fugazi-like title track where once again the Circles showcase their musicality in a melodic outro.

I love the band in their full-force hardcore mode, but they are at their best when they meander into alt-rock territory. You can call it emo if you want. I hesitate to use the phrase, but only because there is an uplifting quality that I don't typically associate with the genre. I'll settle on calling Still. a post-hardcore record. I'd entertain arguments to the contrary, but they breakout a melodica on "Changes" so...

Whatever subgenre Circles belongs to, the Frenchmen are among the most exciting new bands in it. I wouldn't be surprised to hear less of their hardcore sound on future records, so I'll cherish the comfortable combination of styles on Still. which has become one of my favorite albums of 2024 thus far.

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