04.08.12 BABY SUE
Circle is an Australian quartet that formed in 2005 in a suburb of Sydney. The first thing we noticed about this album…is that the songs don’t sound like other Australian bands. To be more exact, they don’t really sound too much like any other bands we’ve heard lately. These folks write and record a brand of classic pop that harkens back to the 1960s and 1970s when songs were the main focal point. But that doesn’t mean The Middle is a retrospective album…because it isn’t. The folks in the band describe their music as “electro pop”…but there are so many cool organic sounds also happening here that the songs don’t come off like electronic pop at all. Lyrics and vocal melodies are at the heart of these tunes…and these folks have come up with some real winning songs here. These tracks feature nice direct arrangements and the band manages to avoid overproducing their music…which allows the listener to appreciate the substance lurking beneath the waves. The tunes on this album sometimes remind us of artists from the past like 10CC and The Bee Gees. Groovy cuts include “The Middle,” “I Believe,” “All The People,” and “Brothers.” Cool stuff threaded with genuine emotion.
30.05.12 RAVE MAGAZINE
It’s a pop kind of week so far. Circle, from Sydney, are reminiscent of the likes of The Flaming Lips, Eels and Bright Eyes, but their influences are buried behind their own solidly “Circle” sound. Despite regular comparisons to psych-rock, Fashion Me A Drum is more Pet Shop Boys than other tracks from the hardworking Sydney band. It’s heartache indie rock with a pop glaze that’s glued together by the boy/girl countermelodies. A swag of pulsing synths sit under a guitar riff that, on its own, feels like something The Edge would write, until the vocals come in and change the whole energy of the song.
10.05.13 IMN
Shimmering and peddling in with the prettiest pulsing, cheery verging on melancholy tune I have heard in a while, this song sets itself up to be a good one. Melodically inventive and spot on, and with vocals sweet and gleaming against the mesh of gorgeous musical notes, the song does not fail to please. Catchy enough to stick to your ears for a while, but not so in your face to put you off, this is a treasure of a track, and deserves to be heard as widely as possible. With lyrics as intriguing as the music itself, this is a real beauty, and suggests a promising album and future for this band.
02.05.12 YVNYL
These Australians led by Radi Safi have a pop sound that’s easy to swallow, bubbly and cool like a beer from the ice chest on a hot summer night. Dig this slo-mo night swimming party vid directed by Tobias Andresson. Their 3rd album The Middle LP will be out soon on Monday Records.
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29.04.12 1146 MILES
Oh, Australia, you never let me down. Fashion Me A Drum by Circle is the lead single off of the Sydney group’s debut album, The Middle. Circle previously performed under the name Opanoni and The Raindrops when they formed in 2005. Under the new name, they continue to produce indie, electro-pop. Be on the lookout for the album and check out Half Race Girls and Ready to Dance when it does come out in mid-2012.
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26.04.12 LO BIDZ
I recently got turned onto Circle, an indie import from Australia. These guys (and one gal) are fairly new, but don’t let that fool you; their DIY electro-pop stylings are perfectly paired with a vintage vibe and just the right touch of nostalgia. Their studio debut, The Middle, is a ten-song treat featuring soaring melodies, buoyant beats, and whimsical pop magic. Think The Smiths, Belle & Sebastian, Mates of State, M83, even a little Hot Fuss-era Kilers; it’s a wide range of influences, yes, but it only makes for a layered, more interesting sound.
Circle’s full-length LP The Middle is out now on Monday Records, so you should get on that. In the meantime, though, check out the brand new video for the band’s fantastic, synth-heavy first single, “Fashion Me a Drum.” You know you want to!
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25.04.12 OF RECKLESS ABANDON
I really love records like this. The ones that throw unexpected things in there and the ones that seem to create new sounds out of thin air. The beginning guitar reminds me a lot of Temper Trap’s “Sweet Disposition” and with the added synths it’s quite beautiful. It’s the kind of buildup that I’d like to hear extended 3 minutes longer at a festival like Lollapalooza or Coachella before they actually get into the track. Once the track starts though the fun really starts. The male vocalist has a very innocent and soft voice that works very well with the track and the female vocalist’s voice blends very well with the male’s while staying strong on its own. As you keep listening to the 5 minute epic track, it seems to constantly build and build up until the incredibly catchy (through pure repetition) chorus which is accented by the jangling guitars and delightful harmonies. If Chuck was still on the air (RIP), this would fit right in. Now there’s a big compliment!
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25.04.12 AUDITORY COLLECTIVE
Yes, back from Coachella and currently recovering. You will read all about it once I develop my pictures. Anyways, Sydney’s Circle released a new video for their first single, Fashion Me a Drum, off their debut album, The Middle. It’s a simple and sweet tune, consisting of a slow building of layers that lead to a powerful yet subtle climax. Great surprise in my inbox.
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24.04.12 FEAST OF BEAST
Beautiful high production video with an equally poppy song to match, don’t know much about this band Circle, but apparently they have a new album out. I always respect a clever narrative to accompany a video in under a few minutes, and this is quite satisfying as it comes full circle.
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24.04.12 WE ALL WANT SOMEONE TO SHOUT FOR
Enjoying this dramatic synth-pop from Sydney representatives, Circle. It’s got a slow but epic buildup that sorta sits somewhere between a fusion of M83, The Naked & Famous, The Temper Trap and Friendly Fires. It’s pretty great, and something that definitely has the potential to get really big. If not, it’s our little secret.
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23.04.12 THIS IS THAT SONG
If you listen to just one song today, make it “Fashion Me a Drum” by Circle (2012, from the forthcoming album The Middle).
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22.04.12 MOJOPHENIA
The electronica is outstanding whilst the rhythm is fascinating. Going purely by this superb taster, the album release has the potential to inject some extra warmth to this coming summer.
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18.04.12 OFF THE RADAR
Got sent the debut studio album ‘The Middle’ from Sydney trio Circle and I am mightilly impressed! They have a great sound that reminds me a bit of Belle & Sebastian, but with a dancier edge. In other words great stuff! Check out their first single/video for “Fashion Me a Drum” which will give you a good idea to their sound. Glad to have them on our radar.
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15.04.12 AURAL DELIGHTS
Circle – Three piece dream-pop band from Australia – single from forthcoming album “Fashion Me A Drum” – pop-tastic rhythmic stuff with a nod to the Go-Betweens…
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14.04.12 THE CULTURE OF ME
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12.04.12 THE CAPTAIN SIB SHOW
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09.04.12 THE BLUE WALRUS
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09.04.12 PHILLY’S PHINEST
Circle is an Australian import that is ready to release their debut full length studio album (they had perfected the art of bedroom recording and wanted to try something different). Their first single from it, “Fashion Me a Drum,” is a dense, soaring foray into the heartbeat (and cell phone) of electro-pop music. With prominent vocals and girl/guy chorus this track sets the stage for what one hopes is a truly magical album.
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07.04.12 THE WHO DIG
Circle is a band from Australia who recently released their debut studio album The Middle. The single “Fashion Me A Drum” is pretty great. It pairs a nice set of male & female vocals over a smooth electronic rock foundation. It’s driving, yearning and nocturnal; the chill wistfulness is good for contemplation but there’s enough rhythmic pulse from the drums, synths, and guitars you could dance to it as well. The lyrics about are pretty striking too.
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05.04.12 KOOMBA RADIO
Hmm… lets try and make a comparative description of this Australian band Circle. How about Belle and Sebastian meets the Killers? Yes, that sounds appropriate; and it works and it’s good. This track is the first song release from their new album The Middle, on which you’ll find many other like spirited tunes.
