INDIE MUSIC DIGEST - Independent Music Reviews

EP REVIEW: Circle Down - Mobius

By: Cyrus Rhodes

"will thrash you into submission."

- INDIE MUSIC DIGEST:-

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Artist: Circle Down
ED: Mobius

Label: Independent Artist

Website: www.circledown.com

Genre: Emo Metal, Alternative Hard Rock

Sounds Like: Fall out Boy, Paramore. Linkin Park

Technical Grade: 9/10

Production/Musicianship Grade: 8/10
Commercial Value: 9/10
Overall Talent Level: 8/10
Songwriting Skills: 8/10
Performance Skill: 8/10
Best Songs: Reconstructive, Ashes Falling

Weakness: Over the top performances. minor timing issues

EP REVIEW:

4 piece "Circle Down" hails from Atlantic City, New Jersey & releases their latest EP entitled Mobius in late 2010. Full length to be released early next year. Members include Drew Madore (vocals, DJ, synth), Kevin Cansian (bass), Eric Wisely (drums) & Dean Romanelli (guitars). This is their

The EP kicks things off with “Half Step” a melodic intro piece that serves up driving rock rhythms against aggressive guitar segments, & flowing melodic vocals from Madore that flow & ebb their way through emotional fruition. Track 2 “Ashes Falling” keeps things pushing with hard hitting guitars, dynamic vocal segments & harmonies that twist & turn like a violent flood. I especially like well placed vocal reinforcements & sonic harmonies from Madore on track 2. Track 3 “Crash” serves up yet another passionate, full tilt Emo groove, with impressive double bass accents, against a solid low end punishment that takes no prisoners. As the CD slowly unfolds I can hear many different musical textures reminiscent of classic Linkin Park, Blue October, Dashboard Confessionals, with perhaps a dash of Fear Factory & Paramore. Fans of all things Emo Metal will thoroughly enjoy this EP. As the EP slowly unfolds you will notice most of the songs are very dynamic, passionate & full of rmusical peak & valley effects. All in all this EP has some truly impressive moments on it showcasing impressive writing & lyrical content, with impressive musicianship to boot. Madore’s vocal style is hard to pigeonhole, but his passionate baritone works well within this catalogue as he holds the melody line extremely well. All songs are short & sweet musical experiences, & packed to the hilt with everything your would expect from a a world class Emo release. It’s definitely a fully loaded EP from start to finish with some amazing chops, thought provoking lyrical content, & rich melodic vocal layering. All songs are sung from a deeply honest perspective that is 100% pure & genuine. The CD ends with my favorite track ”Reconstructive” a perfect finale statement that will say the least thrash you into musical submission as you head out the door.

I did detect some slight timing issues on the final track.. Some of the musical performances are a bit over the top - more like a musical freak show than performances. Yep these guys know how to throw some 32’nd notes at you. But by the end of the EP you are suffering from a severe case of 32^nd note overdose.

“Mobius” by Circle Down is an impressive musical production from start to finish. The music is clean but is heavy, & goes down smooth, with passionate messages that are sung from a deeply honest perspective. Like the aforementioned fans that like the hard hitting modern Emo sound will love this EP. It’s strong suit – the solid melodic consistency of vocalist Drew Madore. I especially like how he carried the melody line on most of the music. Honorable mention goes out to Drummer Eric Wisley who threw down some serious double bass action. There isn’t a weak song anywhere on this entire EP. I look forward to checking out the full length to be released early next year

Cyrus Rhodes