Melbourne prog/alt-metal giants Circles made a momentous return today with the pulsating single Sleepwalking and its explosive accompanying music video. In a Maniacs exclusive, frontman Ben Rechter has shared what influenced and inspired Sleepwalking.
"Most of the writing for Sleepwalking was done during and between the first two lockdowns in Melbourne, so it was during a time that we were generally feeling uncertain about where we stood, as individuals and as a band. The song isn’t about those lockdowns, in any way, but we were definitely drawn to writing darker songs in that time, both musically and lyrically, so those frustrations and uncertainty were channelled into what’s probably the heaviest song since I’ve been with the band."
Interestingly, despite the foreboding energy of the time, the band's listening habits weren't leaning on the heavier side during the writing process, so the added heft musically seems to be their organic artistic response to the uncertainty of the time.
"We weren’t really listening to much heavy music at the time, though! We had a few songs on the radar, some Silent Planet and Sleep Token tracks, but most of the sound just came from whatever we were feeling. We did take a much more streamlined approach in the structure, and a tighter focus on vocal delivery and production."
Circles - Sleepwalking
Sleepwalking marks the start of a new era for Circles, who have joined forces with the emerging powerhouse Wild Thing Records. Smashing right into the fray with their first release since 2018’s internationally acclaimed album The Last One the group’s debut with Rechter up front, Circles bring their textured prog-alt-metal flair into our 2022 reality. Sleepwalking is a sonic adventure carried onward by densely-packed melodies and artful songwriting.
Rechter's fervent melodic tone intertwines with volatile guitars and hammering drums that surge with unbridled energy. At full force, you sense that Sleepwalking is the band’s cathartic absolution.
Rechter speaks on the meaning and theme behind Sleepwalking
“Essentially, it’s a song of fear and regret, of feeling like so much time has been wasted while you’ve unconsciously gone through the motions to arrive at your current situation. But you’re struggling to push yourself into the unfamiliar territory that holds the potential to provide you with what you’re searching for. It’s so easy to live and die in a comfort zone, even when all you want is out of it.”
Produced by Circles’ own Ted Furuhashi, its music video was directed by the band’s David Hunter, with the track mastered by Luke Cincotta (Karnivool - Asymmetry).
Sleepwalking will also see the return of Circles to the live environment, with the band set to hit stages around the nation this August and September. Joining them on all dates is an epic assortment of some of Australia’s best up-and-coming acts; The Omnific, Future Static, and Heartline. See the poster below for dates and ticket details.
Listen To Circles
