Dallas musician Lannie Flowers acclaimed debut was an ambitious concept album, but on his sophomore LP Circles he sticks to a more traditional pop format (or does he?) Starting with the title track he describes his frustration, “I don’t know where I’m going, all I know is I’m not knowing, going round in circles all the time.” His sound is harder to pin down here, but similar to The Animals with hints of ELO and Cheap Trick. The songs go from upbeat harmonic pop to sneering hard rock, often in the same song.
“Turn Up Your Radio” has a memorable chorus, harmonies and a wicked riff that sticks like glue. “Not In Love” is another gem that does everything a power pop track is supposed to do. “I Don’t Know” has a rougher vocal that recalls Eric Burdon or Alex Chilton. The contrast of sweet pop and rough pub rock is really pronounced on “Where Does Love Go” – a great song that shifts tone between each chorus. “All Dressed Up” is another great track that sounds like Mick Jagger playing for The Beau Brummels. The styles may be jarring at times, but there is not a wasted note here. Lannie makes it clear, that while we might all be going around in circles, sooner or latter we make it back home.
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