Louder Than The Music

Haydon Spenceley - Circles

Artist:

Haydon Spenceley

Title:

Circles

Type:

Album

Released:

10 Feb 2008

Your Rating:

Review

'Circles' is the debut solo album from singer-songwriter Haydon Spenceley. Hayden was formerly the frontman of rock band 'Freeslave' but has now ventured out on his own to bring us 'Circles' which straddles the line between pop & electronica. This latest offering is born of a new partnership with Knuci Records and sees UK tours with Quench and Superhero on the horizon along with jaunts to both Europe and America. It is certainly showing us the way forward for alternative Christian Music.

The tone of the album is set from the first track, 'Overture', a short track featuring...
Read More 'Circles' is the debut solo album from singer-songwriter Haydon Spenceley. Hayden was formerly the frontman of rock band 'Freeslave' but has now ventured out on his own to bring us 'Circles' which straddles the line between pop & electronica. This latest offering is born of a new partnership with Knuci Records and sees UK tours with Quench and Superhero on the horizon along with jaunts to both Europe and America. It is certainly showing us the way forward for alternative Christian Music.

The tone of the album is set from the first track, 'Overture', a short track featuring the piano synth with no vocals it is the epitomy of relaxing, chill-out music. 'Heaven on Earth' begins with a quietly hidden drum beat underlying the ever-present synths intermingled with some bitter lyrics and an all too apparent cry to God in the chorus. A slightly dark sound overlaid with beautiful harmonies emphasises that this cry is from the heart.

'Here and Now' and 'Let Me Out' are propelled along by danceable grooves which juxtapose a desperation for something greater than everyday life. It wasn't until 'Lost My Heart' that I realised the familiar similarity that lay within these songs, although I hate comparing any two people/groups anybody who has listened to Coldplay's latest album 'Viva La Vida' (rather than just the singles) will sense a very similar feel.

Hayden Spenceley has some amazing vocals on this album and each track is sung with a passion & feeling which leaves no doubt that he means every word. He uses his vocals as another instrument, clear crisp vocals with poignant tones. Showing creativity musically, vocally and lyrically this album pushes open doors that we've not yet seen in the Christian music world. Will everyone have the right mindset to understand & "get" this album? Sadly not, it's a mix of The Killers and some modern 80's sounds. If you love alternative indie music, Goldfrapp, Fleet Foxes, Vampire Weekend & Glasvegas, then this an album and a songwriter you need to find out more about. New edge, heartfelt worship, Hayden Spenceley hits the mark.

Review by Jono Davies

Rating 5 out of 5 Stars
Stand out Tracks
Heaven on Earth
Let me Out
Lost My Heart

Get 'Circles'

Track Listing

Haydon Spenceley - Circles

Review

Other Haydon Spenceley Releases

Ruthless Trust

What You Do

Light Has Come

Mirrors

Heart Strings