Circles (album)

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Circles
Argos studio album

Publication
(s)

2010

Label (s) Musea Records

Format (s)

CD

Genre (s)

Canterbury Sound , Retro Prog

Title (number)

11

running time

59m29s

occupation
  • Bass, flute, keyboards, guitars, vocals: Thomas Klarmann
  • Vocals, keyboards, guitars: Robert Gozon
  • Drums, percussion, Roland DM, vocals: Ulf Jacobs
  • Electric guitar: Rico Florczak
  • Electric guitar: Michael Hahn
  • Soprano saxophone: Dieter Gunterman
chronology
Argos
(2009) 		Circles -

Circles is the second album by the German retro-prog band Argos . It was released on April 15, 2010 via Musea Records .

History of origin

Rico Florczak, who was already involved in the recordings for the debut album Argos as a studio musician, was accepted as a permanent member of the band by Thomas Klarmann for "Circles". Shortly after the release of this album, work on "Circles" began, which was finally completed in early 2010.

Style and reception

On "Circles" the band, which forms a quartet with the new member Rico Florczak for the first time , consistently develops its style, which is influenced by bands such as Soft Machine , Caravan and Van der Graaf Generator , in the direction of retro-prog and art rock. The tracks are longer than on the debut album "Argos", the 8-minute mark is exceeded several times. Other elements, such as the controversial singing, have been retained.

The album received mostly positive reviews; Jürgen Meurer, for example, wrote on the Babyblauen Seiten :

“The first, very important measure: the band has grown into a quartet, because Rico Florczak, who was already listed as a guest musician on his debut, is now a permanent member. He contributes (...) some excellent parts that have a noticeable effect on the overall picture. (...) “Circles” has truly become a well-rounded affair that every fan of symphonic art rock should pay attention to. The warning against singing that takes getting used to is contrasted with the reference to completely successful retro music. Are there any sensational innovations in Argos? No - but I really enjoy their music and never get bored. "

Also on Progarchives.com, which also emphasizes the striking sonic proximity to Van der Graaf Generator and their singer Peter Hammill , and on Musikreviews.de “Circles” received an honorable mention.

Track list

  1. Hodgepodge (2:49)
  2. Closed Circle (4:36)
  3. A Thousand Years (8:12)
  4. Lines on the Horizon (5:48)
  5. Sun and Moon (3:36)
  6. Custody of the Knave (6:04)
  7. The Gatekeeper (7:51)
  8. Willow Wind (3:13)
  9. Total Mess Retail (3:47)
  10. Lost on the Playground (8:17 am)
  11. Progology (5:16)

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ see liner notes of the album
  2. ↑ Reviews of "Argos" on the baby blue pages. Retrieved June 17, 2010 .
  3. ↑ Jürgen Meurer: Review of "Circles" on the Babyblauen Seiten. June 2, 2010, accessed June 17, 2010 .
  4. ↑ Rivertree: ARGOS Circles music review by Rivertree. April 20, 2010, accessed on June 17, 2010 : "'Circles' is dedicated to lovers of charming prog songs provided with a symphonic and canterbury outfit - highly recommended!"
  5. ^ Andreas Schiffmann: Argos: Circles (review / criticism). May 22, 2010, accessed on June 17, 2010 : “Circles” transfers well-known things with a fresh sound into airy arrangements and very relaxed art rock that would once have worked and is still valid today. IQ, JADIS and the less weird representatives of German rock history pass by without melancholy or slowness. "

Web links