"Manner, Circle's 20th full-length of proper studio material, is a pivotal work in the ensemble's extensive canon. Originally released in spring 2012 by the U.S. heavies at Hydra Head, this limited edition LP is now available as a shiny, populist CD courtesy of bassist/founder Jussi Lehtisalo's Ektro label. But this latest effort isn't only a potential international breakthrough, it's also a daring step forward. Barrel-chested and proud, Manner vaguely resembles a Soviet tank parade choreographed to the cocky beat of American AOR and British art-pomp. Ideas first presented on the aforementioned Rautatie have mutated into something peculiar but truly illustrious. Mika Rättö's heroic digital keyboards pile on '80s FM cheese, but his theatrical vocals channel '70s prog extravagance via detours to the opera, the Eurovision Song Contest, a padded cell, and several unsavory leather bars. Meanwhile, Tomi Leppänen's precision quartz drumming imposes martial law on three keen guitarists (Janne Westerlund, Pekka Jääskeläinen, and Julius Jääskeläinen) who wisely favor mood and impact over flash and pyrotechnics. Largely shorn of blasting dissonance and creepy experiments, Circle’s current set list falls squarely between the poles of accessibility and arcana. Glam-pop silliness, denim-vested grandstanding, breezy dreamscapes, and the melody from Brian Eno's “Here Come the Warm Jets” blossom into supple, king-size mantras that glide past with uncommon ease. Perhaps Manner is a milestone. Perhaps it's a rebirth. Or perhaps it's just another damn fine sliver of Circle. Regardless, it handily proves that these filthy old curs still have plenty of bite. –Jordan N. Mamone, New York City, January 3, 2013"
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"Manner, Circle's 20th full-length of proper studio material, is a pivotal work in the ensemble's extensive canon. Originally released in spring 2012 by the U.S. heavies at Hydra Head, this limited edition LP is now available as a shiny, populist CD courtesy of bassist/founder Jussi Lehtisalo's Ektro label. But this latest effort isn't only a potential international breakthrough, it's also a daring step forward. Barrel-chested and proud, Manner vaguely resembles a Soviet tank parade choreographed to the cocky beat of American AOR and British art-pomp. Ideas first presented on the aforementioned Rautatie have mutated into something peculiar but truly illustrious. Mika Rättö's heroic digital keyboards pile on '80s FM cheese, but his theatrical vocals channel '70s prog extravagance via detours to the opera, the Eurovision Song Contest, a padded cell, and several unsavory leather bars. Meanwhile, Tomi Leppänen's precision quartz drumming imposes martial law on three keen guitarists (Janne Westerlund, Pekka Jääskeläinen, and Julius Jääskeläinen) who wisely favor mood and impact over flash and pyrotechnics. Largely shorn of blasting dissonance and creepy experiments, Circle’s current set list falls squarely between the poles of accessibility and arcana. Glam-pop silliness, denim-vested grandstanding, breezy dreamscapes, and the melody from Brian Eno's “Here Come the Warm Jets” blossom into supple, king-size mantras that glide past with uncommon ease. Perhaps Manner is a milestone. Perhaps it's a rebirth. Or perhaps it's just another damn fine sliver of Circle. Regardless, it handily proves that these filthy old curs still have plenty of bite. –Jordan N. Mamone, New York City, January 3, 2013"