Line-up:
Richard Elliot IV - Vocals, Guitar, Violin, Bagpipes, Flute, Percussion and keyboards
Lou Buffo - Drums and percussion
Darren McFarland - Bass and fretless bass
Now this is something of an oddity.
The Last Things only made this one album and then disappeared into oblivion. Sad, because it is a debut that feels mature and shows immense potential. Circles and Butterflies captures a unique sound and a distinct, touching frailty in both the music and lyrics. Made on a budget, the album impresses with its musical ideas. Any genre defining barriers are ignored and the result is often surprising. The closest definition would be Progressive Metal but that doesn't really do the album justice. So varied and surprising is the music that it defies labeling.
Richard Elliot IV is the main man behind the band, having written most of the music, all lyrics and created the surreal artwork.
Various instruments are used to give the album a very special atmosphere with a slight psychedelic vibe. It works extremely well and adds to the unique flavor the album leaves behind. Richard's voice has an emotional edge that gives the metaphor-heavy lyrics a greater impact. He handles the aggressive thrashy parts just as well as the more laid back passages.
Darren McFarland provides some unique bass work that stands out, especially on the six-part Circles and Butterflies suite. His bass playing is inventive, dynamic and it makes the bass appear not so much as a separate instrument but more like a special entity that weaves in and out of the music, often guiding it along surprising detours. He easily ranks among my favorite bass players with just this one showcase.
Jeff Cinotti plays bass on three songs and it is apparent that his playing is good but not quite as inspired.
Lou Buffo's drumming is technical, tight and littered with cool detail.
I found it easy to live with the slightly lacking production.
The six-part Circles and Butterflies suite makes up the main feature and deals with interrelationships and mental corruption.
Inside the cirle opens frenetically. It is a good example of how the songs don't follow any direct path, but weave in and out of aggressive technical passages and into moody relaxing states with the melodic element always in focus.
Keyboard is used sparingly but wonderfully enhances the atmosphere when it enters the sound.
Blackhours has a moody introduction that eases the listener into a tranquil state of mind. Suddenly an intense guitar melody tears the rug away and you're caught in an unpleasant state of confusion and denial. This song is a good example of how Darren's bass playing provides some unique nuances to the music. It gives the impression of a living entity that evolves through time. Blackhours finishes in a mesmerizing way with layer upon layer of interconnecting melodies.
Circle of Willis (also the name of a part of the human brain) employs several neat tricks to generate a rather disturbing atmosphere. "Sweet" instrumental passages are littered through the song and they build tension
and make it appear as if the song is caught in a loop it can't escape. A wonderfully aggressive song.
The Vow is 3 minutes of pure emotion. I absolutely loved this song since the first time I heard it as it reflected an all too recognizable feeling. The basswork once again brings the song to another level.
After.....Birth is a chilling mood-piece. It concludes the lyrical part of the suite with a glimmer of hope and strength.
The instrumental finalé
The Circle Ends has a positive vibe and enough twists and turns to keep the interest up.
Among the 5 remaining, and very different tracks,
Ghost from the past is a personal favorite with both music and lyrics having a slightly haunting feel. The inner peace motif continues for a few songs before
The Spirit Lives adds another instrument to the mix and effectively closes the album with an environmental stance.
If you happen to be one of the few people in the world who know this album and was wondering what has happened to mastermind Richard Elliot IV, then check out
this YouTube video I found.
Another interesting side note is that Matt LaPorte of "Jon Oliva's Pain" played some live shows with the band once upon a time.
Circles and Butterflies is an absolutely wonderful album. If you see this in the local second hand store, be sure to grab it at once. Especially fans of
Psychotic Waltz may have found their second heaven here. It is a unique gem, lost in the sands of time, perhaps lying somewhere, waiting to be discovered by you.
I see children with butterflies
Trapped inside jars
Just girls and boys with real life toys
I want to teach them to set them free
And if it comes back it was meant to be
I see tears marked by the sound
Of a mourning dove
Through the years of learning to let go
Of the things you love
I see a butterfly freeing itself
From a chrysalis
Its new wings sparkling in the
Morning sun
Life has just begun
Written by
Steen Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Show all reviews by SteenRatingsSteen: 8/10Members: No members have rated this album yet.
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