CD REVIEW: 13 CIRCLES – Embryonic EP

Shane | 7 July 2015 | Reply

CD REVIEW: 13 CIRCLES – Embryonic EP
Independent
26 June, 2015
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
9 ½ /10

It’s not often that a disc crosses the 100% ROCK review deck with no expectations, and then goes on to absolutely blow us all away. 13 CIRCLES have created one such riveting, moving, inscrutable and totally engaging four-tracker for their debut release.

Opener Taken Fall sets the tone: intelligent lyrics and an intriguingly unique style combine with superb performances to create an epic soundscape as mighty, imposing and sheer as a glacial cliff.

Discontention sees the four-piece exploring the light and shade in their music. Unique as it is, if you listen closely you can hear some influences bubbling up: the enigmatic and majestic power of Tool; a hint of David Gilmour’s evocative playing in the guitar solos.

The Shield and Embers follow, the latter’s exploration of the shadows being particularly moving. Put the headphones on, close your eyes and drift away to this one.

That guitarist Jarrod Henry sometimes writes for us is neither here nor there: Embryonic deserves every unbiased superlative lauded upon it, purely on merit.