CIRCLE OF REASON
After doing my usual bit of research on a band before writing I can say three things with certainty regarding Circle Of Reason and the release of their second EP 'These Hands And This Mind'. Firstly, no-one can seem to agree on what they like or dislike about the band, which I suppose is a good thing really. Secondly, and unfortunately, I'm one of the people who really isn't keen on their alternative-meets-grunge delivery and, lastly, I have once again been dealt a ridiculously over the top press release which actually does Circle Of Reason no favours at all.
I was recently called a "narrow minded 'expert'" by another band I reviewed, and whilst that doesn't bother me (sticks and stones and all that), what I will reiterate is that, as a reviewer, I am only expressing my own opinion on something, and in Circle Of Reason's case, what is described in the blurb as "merging visceral guitar parts, ear shattering drums, and warm, alluring vocals, they create something sweepingly fast-paced and melodic that is at once compelling and supremely appealing", what I am personally hearing is a slow, one-paced, unimaginative and drab EP with vocals about as warm and alluring as a pensioners house during the winter! There are slightly different tempos between the five songs but they aren't doing anything remotely new and they pretty much all sound the same. Comparisons to Coheed and Cambria have been made by some, but I fail to hear anything to warrant that comment.
I do always try to see the positive in something, though, and the EP is well produced and played adequately by Gary Slade (guitar), Sam Cogher (bass & vocals) and Andy Milwain (drums). Singer and guitarist Simon Osmon really doesn't do it for me vocally, but I know there have been lots of positive reviews about the band, they have been played on Scuzz and Kerrang TV and have racked up a fairly extensive array of support slots. I never try to purposefully or cruelly put a band down and I do wish Circle Of Reason all the best with their forthcoming endeavours but, to my ears, 'These Hands And This Mind' sounds about as uplifting as a badly fitted bra.
I was recently called a "narrow minded 'expert'" by another band I reviewed, and whilst that doesn't bother me (sticks and stones and all that), what I will reiterate is that, as a reviewer, I am only expressing my own opinion on something, and in Circle Of Reason's case, what is described in the blurb as "merging visceral guitar parts, ear shattering drums, and warm, alluring vocals, they create something sweepingly fast-paced and melodic that is at once compelling and supremely appealing", what I am personally hearing is a slow, one-paced, unimaginative and drab EP with vocals about as warm and alluring as a pensioners house during the winter! There are slightly different tempos between the five songs but they aren't doing anything remotely new and they pretty much all sound the same. Comparisons to Coheed and Cambria have been made by some, but I fail to hear anything to warrant that comment.
I do always try to see the positive in something, though, and the EP is well produced and played adequately by Gary Slade (guitar), Sam Cogher (bass & vocals) and Andy Milwain (drums). Singer and guitarist Simon Osmon really doesn't do it for me vocally, but I know there have been lots of positive reviews about the band, they have been played on Scuzz and Kerrang TV and have racked up a fairly extensive array of support slots. I never try to purposefully or cruelly put a band down and I do wish Circle Of Reason all the best with their forthcoming endeavours but, to my ears, 'These Hands And This Mind' sounds about as uplifting as a badly fitted bra.
LABEL:
FORMAT:
Self-released
EP
THESE HANDS AND THIS MIND
Review by Rick Tilley
RUNNING TIME:
19:03
RELEASE DATE:
29th July 2013
TRACK LISTING
1) Don't Be Still
2) Home
3) Themes Amongst Thieves
4) Novel
5) Sleep
2) Home
3) Themes Amongst Thieves
4) Novel
5) Sleep
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
UK
"...'These Hands And This Mind' sounds about as uplifting as a badly fitted bra."
