Melbourne prog metal outfit Circles have today shared the first of a two-part EP, The Stories We Are Afraid Of | Vol. 1, via Wild Thing Records. Featuring the singles “Sleepwalking”, “Dig” and “Echo”, the six-track project was produced and mixed by guitarist Ted Furuhashi and mastered by Luke Cincotta (Karnivool, Dead Letter Circus).
The EP was created during lockdowns utilising deep self-reflection to find the strength to make change within oneself. Distorted guitars and dynamic vocals meld with electronic percussion and sharp synthesisers to deliver some of the band’s most refined work yet.
“The overarching theme of Vol.1 is one of a loss of identity and purpose, and trying to recapture a sense of wonder and passion for life that was once a core part of you,” explains frontman Ben Rechter. “Musically, we went into these writing sessions with a focus on being more direct than on previous albums, steering away from crowding songs with heaps of different riffs for the sake of having more riffs that we personally like in there.”
“Wonder”
Opening with a pulsating synth line and a crushing breakdown, “Wonder” asserts the experience of the progressive metal veterans and showcases the dynamic vocal power of Rechter. It sets the theme of the EP, exploring the loss of passion and curiosity for the world, replaced with apathy and exhaustion and wondering when the desire left.
“Bliss”
Named in an ironic nature, “Bliss” explores the modern digital media landscape and how it affects self-image. Traditionally reserved for models and celebrities, touch-up software is able to redesign the face and body of an individual. The track explores this dystopia with aggressive downtuned, driving breakdowns that Circles are cherished for.
“Sleepwalking”
This is where the EP transitions into its most narrative section – the awakening of oneself and the fear, disgust and terror that accompanies it. “Sleepwalking” characterises the feelings of regret upon awakening and realising how much time was lost, spent obliviously decaying.
“Echo”
“Echo” follows on as the realisation that things were worse than they initially seemed. This is the lowest point – the fissure has opened and we are at the bottom. It’s about grappling with these realisations and leads smoothly into the next track.
“Dig”
We come to “Dig”, the first steps towards escaping the open earth below. This showcases the desperation and severity of the situation, mustering up enough strength to even just leave the house and see the sun.
“Reckoning”
The closing track reiterates Circles’ status as the Australian pioneers of the international djent movement. With driving distorted guitars, an electronic pre-chorus rich with lush piano and auxiliary percussion, and perpetually powerful drumming, this track is the epitome of progressive metal. Rechter’s vocals are filled with an electric energy, related to waking up to the realisation you need to escape. Finishing with an expressive and emotional guitar melody, it foreshadows Vol. 2 – teasing the direction that the second instalment might take.
The Stories We Are Afraid Of | Vol. 1 is available now on all streaming platforms. Follow Circles on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates.
Additional contribution from Alex Shoesmith.
