Circle have existed as one of Belgium's most sought-after underground outfits, yet for having such austerity in snobbish indie cliques, little has been made of them on an international level. Having unleashed a variety of records through several local labels, the group have now taken the next logical steps towards extending their music to as many listeners as possible by aligning themselves with the much more visible Reflections Records, and expanding upon their creative influences. Incorporating the raw intensity of Refused, the emotive depth of Failure and the stoner rock indulgences of Fu Manchu into one seamless sound, Circle look to rise above their mundane hardcore roots on "Vaudeville".

There is no more a fitting title for this album then "Vaudeville", as it accurately represents Circle's musical variety show, encapsulating an astonishing assortment of styles and tones into one stunning release. From the droning crunch of "Con Art", a high-strung dance anthem that precariously balances between indie rock, gritty hardcore and groovy surf punk, to the Quicksand meets Snapcase tenacity that is "A.K.A. Travolta", these Belgian men take every opportunity to embellish on their influential desires. The relaxing lounge aura of "Dance To Forget..." immediately catches the listener off-guard, alternating between Arne Robijn's light jazz percussion with a casual spoken-word format and explosive hardcore-tinged instrumentation, and at six plus minutes, Circle run the gamut of musical experimentation. Meanwhile, "9-2-5" is acerbic hardcore/punk made for amphitheaters, boasting massive stoner rock guitars and lushly synthesized noises that accentuate the song's grandiose structure perfectly. This all leads to the boisterous garage rock of "Claire / Obscure" closing the album with carefree abandon (complete with feverish piano and sensational guitar licks), wrapping up a highly combustible collection of songs that hypnotize and abuse your mind with undeniable enthusiasm.

This is a riveting album largely fueled by pure rock fury, capturing the band's affinity for post-hardcore and progressive rock with artistic creativity and edgy self-confidence. Circle have created a tightly woven musical tapestry of atmospheric yet often abrasive sounds, challenging the listener to appreciate emotional depth and eclectic musical textures. Comparisons to such widely different acts as Queens Of The Stone Age, Since By Man and Cave In can be made, yet this album is quite capable of standing on it's own. Circle have come forward as one of Europe's most promising indie ensembles, and these musical auteurs should be performing their variety shows to packed houses in no time.