I See MONSTAS - Circles

It's been a while since we've had any new originals from I See MONSTAS. If you recall, the London-based trio did a spot of rebranding last year, adopting their new moniker (previously, they were simply 'Monsta') and simultaneously releasing an EP, the lead track of which was Evolution. The name was apt, and it was one of my favourite tracks of last year, The evolution continues with their new track, Circles.



Simply put, whilst continuing to develop and get where they want to be going, I See MONSTAS have created one of the most uplifting and energetic tracks of the summer. Head on past the jump to read why.

If you had to pick a style of music to fuse with Drum & Bass, what would you pick? I'm going to go ahead and guess that it probably wouldn't be Gospel. And yet that's exactly what we have here. I See MONSTAS had already proven with Evolution that they're quite capable of straying into the realms of D&B, and here, they look to further experiment within that genre, adding their own unique twist. In this instance that means skilfully blending in characteristics of soul music, something that they're well known for, and that set them apart from the crowd back when they released their first, self-titled EP (hands up, who remembers how awesome Messiah was?). The soul influence makes a welcome return after being largely sidelined for Evolution, and this time manifests as elements of Gospel music.

Does it work? Yes. Absolutely. Would the Good Lord approve? ...that one's still out for debate, but I like to think that he's already gone out and got his copy of Viper's Summer Slammers 2014, so y'know.

Anyway, back in the realms of reality, a large part of what makes Circles so successful is the extremely powerful and soulful voice of Skaar (real name Bryn Christopher), who belts out the trio's inspirational lyrics over a massive build up. "If we have one night to live / one chance to make amends / how much would you give / to start it all again?" sings Skaar, who's voice has such a magnificent quality to it that I would argue is unmatched throughout the whole of dance music.

The production is tight as ever, with the euphoric melody at the drop really making this one of the most energetic, and simultaneously fell-good tracks of the summer. I've got to be honest, I was expecting a little more at the drop - the first one, at least, is quite sparse. But above the surging bassline, on reflection, I'm not sure anything more is needed.

And then, during the bridge section, Circles gets really good. I See MONSTAS have always been soulful, but this gets taken to another level, as Skaar's hypnotic chant of, "Every time you're feeling down, it's so right / everything's moving around us tonight," is slowly backed up by a full gospel choir, complete with random outbursts and exclamations, off-beat handclaps, silky piano chords - it's a bit cheesy, but delightfully so. The raw, powerful energy of this section carries right through to the end.

Honestly, this has been one of my surprise highlights of what's already been a fantastic summer of music. I See MONSTAS are back, and with Circles, they're better than ever, finding a new style that suits their soulful side perfectly. It's a shame it's not out until October, as it has such a good summer-y vibe to it, but if it gets some decent coverage and airplay, Circles could really take off. Here's hoping.

The Octopus' Rating: 7/8

Release Details:

Name: Circles
Artist: I See MONSTAS
Label: Polydor
Release Date: 12 October
Purchase: Not yet available

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Alex Simpson

Writer, musician, and all-round top guy. I set up Excited Octopus. Currently, I'm on a one man team. It gets lonely sometimes. But I don't mind, because I love you all.

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