UK bands have a tendency to be brilliant and the masterminds behind the London based Post rock electronic band Flat Circles have definitely lived up to this challenging standard. Combing soft guitar melodies with crushing synths and huge atmospheric drums, they have created the perfect balance between the human touch of a guitar and the machine driven sound of the synth. However, the beauty doesn’t end here.
The opening track ‘M-brane’ begins with a gentle, melancholic guitar melody complemented by the abstract yet delicate atmospheric noises hidden underneath each note. Towards the middle, the song breaks down into its simplest elements as a droning bass allows for the simplicity of the drum clicks to resonate through the track and add to the atmosphere built by the beautifully processed guitar sounds.As a listener, I can appreciate the unique and fresh sound brought forward by the band. Additionally, as a musician, I recognise the musical innovation Flat Circles have uncovered.
‘Places I know’ immediately explodes into an atmospheric blend of primitive sounding vocal chants and electronic, slightly ‘glitchy’ drum sounds. This is the perfect balance I mentioned earlier. The machine element of the music complements the ancient vocal chanting creating a rare feeling many bands have failed to master.This gives Flat Circles room to experiment and bring forward new elements to music very few have heard before. As the chants fade and drums begin to dissipate we move into another ethereal masterpiece.
While starting softer than the other tracks, ‘Skin’ slowly evolves into an electronic artwork overlaid with harsh drums accompanying the ambient noises and guitars competing to balance each other out. This track is sure to draw in any fan of electronic and experimental music alike. However, my favourite element of the track is the simplicity of all the instruments. The exposed bass line complements the electronic drums by adding yet another layer to the flesh of the atmosphere created by Flat Circles. However, the song dims and the listener is drawn towards the last track.
‘Asa’ draws on the beautiful guitar melodies we hear opening the album. The song stands on its own merits due to the simple fact that it does not evolve as complexly as the other tracks. It simply remains a melancholic masterpiece; a soft break for the listener to finish the journey that was this meticulously crafted debut EP.
Flat Circles have shown their true potential with creativity and production in this flawless self titled EP. They have opened the doors for a spiral of new, innovative music and their newer releases have proven that they are not scared to take a step ahead of the pack and create timeless music. I am excited to see what the future holds for them.
