Maes Y Circles’ self-titled album is a solid work with some great tracks. Audio technology is showcased, but because the sounds are of a vintage quality hearkening back to musicians such as Tangerine Dream and Vangelis.
An understated granular complexity
As a fan of both modular synthesizer tracks and minimal music, I had fun listening to Maes Y Circles’ self-titled album coming out late August 2024 with GOTO Records. Synths with a consistent sound palette are used to powerful effect. The track, “Oereacet,” reminded me of Philip Glass, though with an industrial edge. The Glass work, “Koyaanisqatsi,” is a particularly close match. I thought about today’s fast pace of life. The style of the track felt retro. The apocalyptic, bassy strings could belong to the synth-wave genre.
“Neuposa” begins with a simple, descending note pattern. The effect is stoic, monadic, and evocative of the past and the present. As the piece continues, I am reminded of aspects of life that do not change over time. We experience eternal issues in a quickly-moving present. Continuity is conveyed by use of similar-sounding chords that pulse with an understated granular complexity. A powerful, Glass-like bassline helps to integrate the song’s parts, appearing 2 minutes in. “Gieda” sounds like Aphex Twin’s earlier ambient tracks. There is a very nice melody with chords piquant enough for a piano. “Gieda” is a bittersweet song about the ups and downs of life. As the song progresses, the tone develops into an inevitable eternal, with a clear finality sounding through the bass. The track would be another good example of synth-wave, and has many ‘80’s aspects.
Maes Y Circles’ self-titled album is a solid work with some great tracks. Audio technology is showcased, but because the sounds are of a vintage quality hearkening back to musicians such as Tangerine Dream and Vangelis. Maes Y Circles retains, as well, traditionally musical qualities as the album was composed with care and is recommended for fans of modular synth, minimal and especially retro music.
Produced by Maes Y Circles & Jeff Dale.
Mastered by Jeff Dale.
Art design by Matthew Olczak.
Maes Y Circles is available on GOTO August 23, 2024. [Bandcamp]
