CIRCLE OF SIGHS - Narci (Music Video Premiere)

Always desperate for some entertainment of the visual persuasion, we here at the Sleeping Village constructed ourselves, a few years back, a venue of sorts--a public performance space  designed to house the raunchiest productions around. As with most venues, our humble playhouse has seen very little traffic as of late, and so when our friends at the venerable Metal Assault Records offered the opportunity to feature something new and entertaining, our slumbering populace practically leapt at the chance. 

​Push aside the cobwebs and vines, dear reader. Kick away the decaying ravens and piles of loam; the show is about to begin. Today, for your viewing pleasure, the Sleeping Village is pleased to present the (deeply avant-garde) music video for "Narci," the title track from (deep breath) anonymous international synth doom collective Circle of Sigh's forthcoming second full-length album. It is a weird and wonderful track,  and an impressive video to boot. However, before we get too far ahead of ourselves, I wholeheartedly recommend you watch for yourself. As always, we'll meet ye on the other side!

---

As loathe as I am to describe a group as indescribable, Circle of Sighs are certainly difficult to pigeonhole. While nominally for fans of Yob, Tubeway Army, Pallbearer, King Crimson, Depeche Mode, Thomas Dolby, Brian Eno, and Neurosis, said list does little to indicate a particular sonic aesthetic. Rather, this collective appears to approach their creation in a manner similar to the aforementioned: nothing about "Narci" feels predictable, trite, or tied to genre convention. There's a delightful fluidity on display here, and when we're stuck in the doldrums, nothing tastes so fresh as sweet invention. 

While sitting in proximity to a particularly cosmic brand of doom and/or psychedelic sludge, Circle of Sighs leans wholeheartedly into the avant-garde, employing an intriguing cast of extras. While some vocals on display are certainly Neurosisian ​in terms of sheer heft, there's a notable prog-rock aesthetic in the confines of the cleans. Their composition feels free-form and, in the case of the back half, overtly jazzy, while deathy aggression runs consistently beneath the current. No doubt about it: "Narci" is wonderfully off-kilter and unexpected, and in the doom space in particular, this level of intense innovation and exploration will never go amiss.

As for the video itself: the sights match the sounds with great aplomb. The frenetic parts are appropriately frenetic, and the more relaxed conclusion is set to an equally relaxing backdrop. I'm a particular fan of the representation of the vocals--while at first humourous, the consistent use of the same visual becomes increasingly uncomfortable. Evocative music videos are clearly a strong suit for this crew--if you liked this, check out previous single "Heaven in Flames," as well as their killer interpretation of Joni Mitchell's "Roses Blue."

And, should this all grab yer interest, take a gander at that limited edition vinyl pre-order, available now.

Circle of Sighs - Narci will be released via Metal Assault Records on June 4th, 2021. 

---

Circle Of Sighs can be found:
Bandcamp
Facebook
Instagram