Circuline’s Magnificent and Epic “C.O.R.E”

Supergroup Circuline is back with a new album! They will release C.O.R.E., on September 20th, 2024; on the Inner Nova Music label. The band has a three album discography, which includes: Return from 2015; Counterpoint, from 2016; and Circulive, a live album from their show at Progstock.

Circuline is made up of well-known artists, Andrew Colyer, who plays keyboards and sings lead vocals (Robert Berry’s 3.2 Band, The Tubes); Dave Bainbridge, who plays lead guitars (Strawbs, IONA, Lifesigns); Darin Brannon, who plays drums (Downing Grey, Surface Tension); Natalie Brown on lead vocals (Evita, Rocky Horror Picture Show); and Shelby Logan Warne on bass and backing vocals, (Kyros). Guest artist include: Joe Deninzon, (Kansas, Stratospheerius) on electric violin.

Circuline is a modern cinematic, progressive, rock band, whose music summons the spirit of Yes, Solstice and Renaissance; and brings them all together with a unique sound. C.O.R.E. “explores themes in romantic relationships, surviving abuse, finding one’s own personal power, and the turbulent times in which we live”.

Circuline launched an ambitious Virtual Tour on January 12th of 2024. The tour consist of 57 events in 48 weeks. Andrew Colyer, announced the tour’s goals: “First, we want to get our music exposed to as many people as possible, to continue to grow our fanbase worldwide. Second, we want to deepen our relationships with the fans who are the most passionate. Releasing singles, lyric videos, and official videos accomplishes the first goal, and by doing these in-depth, ‘Behind the Scenes’ videos, we accomplish the second goal. Packaging everything together into a single 12-month celebration of the new album will hopefully capture more attention for future opportunities for live performing and touring, with this fantastic new lineup.”

Circuline has toured with Glass Hammer, repeatedly co-headlined the three-day Sonic Voyage Festival, and toured England opening for IO Earth. Circuline has performed at the International Rites of Spring Festival (RoSfest), Philadelphia’s Liberty Music Fest, Chicago’s Progtoberfest, New Jersey’s ProgStock, and England’s Harmonix Festival.

Says Andrew Colyer, “We’ve had so much fun creating all the videos for this Virtual Tour! We’ve been ‘on location’ in train stations, on rivers, in parking lots, and on soundstage studios. The ‘Story Behind the Song’ videos were done in our newly remodeled studio, with professional documentary filmmakers. The ‘Gear Behind the Music’ videos were done on cell phones. The ‘Behind the Official Video’ series utilizes B-roll shot on location, with band members doing over-the-top commentary. This has been a lot of work, and a ton of fun! We hope the fans enjoy it.”

My favorite songs on C.O.R.E., include:

The cool keyboard “vibrations”, and the innovative electric guitar that opens the Yes-inspired, “Tempus Horribilis”.

The beautiful, soft acoustic and electric guitar on “Say Their Name”, along with its tremendously positive lyrics.

The very cool keyboards that open “All”, are some of the best on the album. The echoing vocals are also cool and innovative.

Dave Bainbridge’s magical, acoustic guitar opening on “Temporal Thing”, along with Andrew Colyer’s amazing keyboards and piano, help make it one of the best tracks on the album.

“You” is the darkest and most metal song on the album. It opens with cool electric guitar, percussion, keyboards, deep bass and Andrew Colyer and Natalie Brown’s vocals; which only add more mystery to the track.

“Blindside” has some of the best lyrics on the album. Hold on, despite all of life’s blindsides and curves, is the theme. They almost raise it to the level of a spiritual, with the choir at the end. We all need that advice and counsel.

The amazing and epic closer “Transmission Error”, which features, warm acoustic and electric guitar, piano, and soft drums, is just stellar! The synthesizers and keyboards are also magnificent. The ending orchestrations are other-worldly!

C.O.R.E. is a wonderful introduction to Circuline, for anyone who is new to their music; like me. The album provides a full spectrum of sounds and voices, to fill your ears with new progressive sounds that will definitely draw you in for more. Natalie Brown and Andrew Colyer have tremendous voices, which fill the air with the band’s terrific lyrics. Then, Dave Bainbridge soothes you with his dynamic and innovative guitar playing. Meanwhile, Shelby Logan Warne’s bass and Darin Brannon’s drum, keep perfect pace. Every song on C.O.R.E. is worth its weight in gold. They decided to make longer, progressive tracks, that needed more development and much more complicated orchestration and playing. Thank you for that! The instrumental sections of this album truly shine, along with the great lyrics and vocals. However, at the C.O.R.E., are these unique and well-known musicians that you want to hear play their instruments. Get C.O.R.E., and enjoy one of the best albums of the year.