The Holy Circle

Dream pop, huh?
Dark pop?
Why not.
Baltimore trio The Holy Circle is comprised of vocalist / keyboardist Terence Hannum (Locrian), as well as his wife, vocalist Erica Burgner-Hannum of Unlucky Atlas, and Nathan Jurgenson (of Screen Vinyl Image) on drum duties. 

All three of their combined perspectives make for a take on a genre that is nowadays labeled as “dream pop” and shoegazing, i.e. a mélange of alternative rock and neo-psychedelica.

Marinated in big sounding, pulsating hypnotic and at times dissonant and noisy synthesizer arrangements and moll basslines, the trio builds intricate ethereal soundscapes with beautifully layered vocals, with more than a mere nod to early era The Cure at least musically, as vocals are significantly different, i.e. more expressive and powerful than what Robert Smith would emit.

This debut offers a well-calibrated mix of pop and experimentation. 

A nice variation in sound with one eye focused on the rear view mirror with the rest firmly focused on the present day and enough adage of their own DNA.

6.8 / 10 — T