AMG Review of Circle Slide

Mark W. B. Allender
All Music Guide

After the much publicized addition of bassist Robin Spurs to the Choir's lineup and her highly unpublicized departure, the Choir released this recording, their strongest effort and the last release of their so-called "atmospheric" period. They are at their most experimental here, with rich textures and lots of noise. "If I Had a Yard" features saxophonist Dan Michaels playing through a wah-wah pedal manipulated by Steve Hindalong as part of his drum kit. The title track is a brooding number with dense textures and a haunting one-minute instrumental interlude full of feedback and spacy sax lines. "About Love" examines the pain and awareness that comes with relationships and intimacy. Notable is the return of Mike Sauerbrey on "Restore My Soul" from the original lineup on Voices in Shadows. The only thing wrong with this recording is that there is simply not enough of it. Clocking in at under 40 minutes, the music leaves the listener hungry for more. Lyrics are stronger than ever, often taking analytical or introspective examinations of ordinary subjects; a perfect libretto for this dark soundtrack.