New EP The Stories We Are Afraid Of | Vol.1 out 25th Nov via Wild Thing Records

"A modern progressive tapestry" - Metal Hammer

Melbourne's alt-metal outfit Circles' storm continues with the release of their most dynamic track yet, 'Echo'.

'Echo' is the third single from their forthcoming EP The Stories We Are Afraid Of | Vol. 1, to be released 25th November via Wild Thing Records.

Watch the video for 'Echo' here: https://youtu.be/1_e5cS8HOqA
Stream/buy 'Echo' here: https://ffm.to/circles_echo
Pre-order The Stories We Are Afraid Of | Vol. 1: https://ffm.to/circlesthestoriesweareafraidofvol1

Of the new single, frontman Ben Rechter states:

“'Echo' is Vol. 1’s lowest point, emotionally. It deals with being well and truly at the bottom, feeling as though you deserve the hopelessness that you feel. Even if that’s not a true reflection of the situation, sometimes those inner voices block out all others with a relentless drone.”

Paired with the single is the epic music video produced by the band's very own David Hunter. Filmed at Fabrik Studios, the clip parallels the building tension in the track as Rechter is seen despondent on the floor before contemporary dancer Bridget Lyte appears. Lyte's movements intensify as the track grows in its dynamics and the rest of the band make their appearance. The band and Lyte unleash and purge in the track's peak amongst a colossal white light show to close out.

The Stories We Are Afraid Of | Vol. 1 is the first instalment of an epic two-part EP, following Circles' sophomore record, The Last One, which garnered international recognition and domestic success in Australia (#4 TheMusic’s Album of the Year 2018, #3 AIR Independent Albums). The progressive giants continue to lead the path of the international djent movement with their upcoming release, furthering the incorporation of shimmering, wavering pads, belting breakdowns and propelling percussion.

The next instalment of The Stories We Are Afraid Of continues on where the previous singles left off, by portraying themes of self-reflection and desperation to make a resolution; to fight your struggles and take the first steps to reacclimate to the life you once lived.

Frontman Ben Rechter continues:

"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. 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."

‘Echo’ starts with a resonating electronic kick drum, paired with atmospheric synths and the hypnotic despair in Rechter’s vocals. The impact of the building drums and subtle guitars reflects that growing ache in one's head that's filled with voices of self-doubt, paralysing pity and pressure. Dropping out for a glitched-filled interlude like the calm before the storm, the band erupt into a skeleton-shaking triple-time breakdown. Leading the track out with a bone-crushing riff and a powerful vocal delivery pleading to break from the foundations of one’s turmoil, this is one of Circles' most cathartic tracks to date.

‘Echo’ was mastered by Luke Cinacotta (Karnivool & Dead Letter Circus) and produced/mixed by Circles' own Ted Furuhashi. With the abundance of subtle auxiliary percussion, lush floating synthesiser pads and a pulsating electronic kick drum, Circles' new direction with production has led to a track that’s inherently progressive in nature.

Concluding their successful Australian ‘Sleepwalking’ Tour (Destroy All Lines and Wild Thing Presents) in early September, Circles have already reignited their loyal Australian fanbase and left their international community cut and craving. Prior touring history across Australia and Europe with TesseracT, Periphery, Opeth, Fear Factory, The Dillinger Escape Plan and Twelve Foot Ninja cement the veteran's place as one of Australia’s quintessential prog/alt-metal mainstays.

Pre-order The Stories We Are Afraid Of | Vol. 1 now via Wild Thing Music Store, which has now launched European and North American webstores (in addition to the original Australia-based webstore), providing customers in those regions with a more convenient and streamlined experience.

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Australian alt-metal outfit Circles release new single 'Echo'

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