by Cory Stark
7
/10
FCC: Clean
Recommended if you like: Ratboys, Old Gray, Smidley
Favorite Tracks: 3, 7, 10
In the opening track of Small Circle’s first full-length album, Cyclical, frontwoman Marissa D’elia repeatedly croons the line “[it’s] so easy to write about you.” I’d have to say that for her, the statement definitely rings true. The writing throughout the album offers the listener an effortless inner dialogue that at times feels like a stream of consciousness. As a result, the whole record has a cathartic tone that ends up being its defining characteristic.
Overall, Cyclical is ten lovely indie-pop songs that are packaged into deliciously mellow bite-sized pieces. I’d recommend consuming it with a box of chocolates in hand. Because the tracks are easily separated, the album isn’t all that cohesive, but it’s not really meant to be. I seem to enjoy it more in smaller chunks. When I listen to all of it in one sitting, it starts to run together. So, you should listen to it like you should eat those chocolates: in moderation.
Small Circle is a relatively new group, composed of D’elia and three members of Sorority Noise: Cam Boucher (guitar/vocals), Adam Ackerman (bass), and Charlie Singer (drums). However, Small Circle doesn’t really sound or feel like Sorority Noise, which is cool, considering the fact that three quarters of the band is also literally three quarters of Sorority Noise. While listening to the album, I got the feeling that Boucher is taking a step back and trying to help D’elia develop her own musical vision. Cyclical very much feels like it’s her album, and Cam, Charlie, and Adam are along for the ride.
That’s not to say that they aren’t there. Boucher takes the lead vocals on a few tracks and offers supporting vocals that fit nicely into the record’s tone. Furthermore, the guys’ simple yet gorgeous guitar work and steady upbeat drum patterns offer the perfect backdrop for D’elia’s warm, relaxed vocals.
The word I would use to describe this album is pleasant. It’s just nice. The taste it left in my mouth wasn’t gourmet, but it was sweet, simple, and really hit the spot.
