NINE CIRCLES - EP review added 4th February 2011
EP Review: Moons Away EP (2011)
For fans of: Alt Rock... and rusty vehicles
New Jersey four-piece Nine Circles - Cory Pensa on vocals and guitar, Eric Pensa on drums, Tom Spears on guitar, John Cusumano on bass - already have an independently released LP "Situations" (2009) under their belts. "Moons Away" is the follow-up and, yes, it's merely an EP, but it's still got plenty to offer.
The band's sound is somewhere between alt and modern rock, boasting a boisterous rhythm section, melodious guitars, clean (if occasionally shouty) vocals, and a decent range of songs.
The band sound like the real deal. They aren't signed, but you easily imagine a record label behind them. All the constituent parts of Nine Circles' music is more than acceptable - this is a band with no real weak link. Okay, the songs could be more a lot catchy, and it seems tight only putting out an EP when the last release was full length, but that's about all.
'The Merchandise' is only an intro. First track proper 'Wizard's Cape' doesn't quite hit the spot. There's not really anything wrong with it, it's just a bit middling. 'The Same' is, er, the same. It's likeable, but there's little to love. 'Everything I Wanted' is much better. It's a dramatic entry that sounds like it'll slay live. 'Congradulations' is interesting too, although it doesn't hit the spot with the same panache as the previous track. Final entry 'Tell Me' is a pleasant, modern, charty sounding love-orientated song. Not necessarily my thing, but there are a load of people out there who will love it. I can imagine it working well in a film too.
In Summation:
The "Moons Away" EP is hit and miss, but there's no doubt that the quality shines through on occasion. The last half of the disc is miles ahead of the first. Let's hope they can take what they've done here and build upon it for their next LP.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Check out... The second half.
Track List:
01. The Merchandise
02. Wizard's Cape
03. The Same
04. Everything I Wanted
05. Congradulations
06. Tell Me
Artist's website(s): Nine Circles | MySpace | Facebook
