EP review: CIRCLE OF REASON – Faith or Theory

[Release date 27.05.16]

Southampton quartet, Circle of Reason come racing out the blocks with their latest EP ‘Faith or Theory’. The 7 song release has been making waves already, being featured on Scuzz TV and Kerrang! TV. This has began to lay the foundations for a big future for Circle of Reason.

The band in the past have also shared stages with Neck Deep, Creeper, Fearless Vampire Killers and Marmozets having done their fair share of touring in recent years.

The band opens up the EP with ‘Never Enough’ which sets an enigmatic, bouncy rock vibe into the head of the listeners right away. The vocals kick in perfectly complimenting the guitar work. In the background the drums can be heard providing the subtle kick the song needs.

After this we are faced with ‘Questions’ an even more driven song where the band’s self described influences of Biffy Clyro and Mastodon are a lot clearer. This is a song in particular that to me seems to be a very good live song. The atmosphere this band creates solely through an EP which helps build a picture of their live show is incredible.

‘My Emergency’ is a step in a new direction when listening through the album. This comes across as a little more progressive and more free in terms of vocals. This is where the genre of Alt-Rock becomes more clear cut for this band. The ability to have rock and a fusion of pop-punk within their music is a very big draw for many listeners.

‘Clarity’ is nothing short of spectacular. This is one of the songs which really stands out to me from this release. It is perfectly weighted in terms of its progression and its use of instruments. Its pauses, notes and tempo all come together in a carefully crafted masterpiece. Midway through the song slows down to a quieter period which picks back up in a brilliant way cementing the songs place in one of my favourite tracks of 2016.

‘In Other Words’ begins a different way to what we’ve seen so far on the album. With a very interesting introduction the song transitions into a more traditional Circle of Reason song towards the end. The placement of the song on the EP is very smart, just as some of the songs began to blur into one and I must admit I began to get a little bored they throw in this. Just to mix it up and snap myself back into the groove.

We then get to the heaviest song on the album ‘Tie Up The Sky’. This gives the band yet another dynamic, something a little more aggressive. Something at times has been missing from this EP. It’s good to see them include just a little something more aggressive.

The album finishes up with ‘Colours’. A song which perfectly captures what a closing song on an album should be, at times coming off as theatrical this song is another testament to just what these boys can do.

With another release this strong who knows how far Circle of Reason can go. One thing is for certain though, these guys have the talent and ability to make a lot more releases of this quality and in future are sure to fine tune up any of the minor issues. ****

Review by Dillon Grant

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)