It Is regrettable that the word “progressive” is commonly solely associated with far-left politics and not an effort to move things in other areas of life inventively forward. Such is the case with the band Circuline, whose new album “C.O.R.E.” is a fresh invigoration of the prog rock genre.

Circuline has been around for several years. Founding member Andrew Colyer (keyboards/vocals) has seen multiple lineup changes over the years, with the new album featuring the talents of recently added guitarist Dave Bainbridge and bassist Shelby Logan Warne. 

Household names the band members are not, but all bring a solid, lengthy pedigree to their work together. Circuline is a fusion of veteran musicians whose work makes it clear they long ago abandoned any notion of pop stardom in favor of making the music they want to make, and we are all the better for it.

The album starts with “Tempus Horribilis,” a delightfully quirky track that radically shifts mid-song from a driving albeit oddly metered pulse to more contemplative fare.

This enticing entrance is followed by the solid multi-layered stomp of “Third Rail.” Vocalist Natalie Brown is a superb singer with a rich, soulful voice she uses to full effect without resorting to empty vocal gymnastics.

The riches keep flowing, with “Say Their Name” and especially “All” showcasing dazzling ensemble playing and compositional daring not for self-indulgence’s sake, but rather allowing the band’s creative muse full rein and inviting the listener to come along.

If these were the only standout tracks, that would be enough. But Circuline isn’t done. “You” is the hardest rocker on the album, and it hits the mark.

The band then completely shifts gears with “Blindside,” a gorgeous ballad lamenting love lost.

There’s more. Each of the album’s eight tracks is a treasure demanding multiple listenings to grasp the full spectrum of what Circuline brings to the table.

As noted, while the band members have chops to burn, Circuline is far more centered on ensemble playing, showcasing its compositional skills than showing off. The band’s sound, superbly captured by producer Robert Berry (SiX BY SiX), is a quality orchestral-level blend of instruments and vocals, a seamless whole that becomes more impressive with each listen. The band brings classical and jazz influences into their sound, one bearing trace elements of other progressive rock bands but never slavishly imitating them. 

Circuline is that rarity in any music genre: a band sounding like no one but themselves while remaining utterly not self-indulgent and eminently listenable for those with adventuresome ears to hear.

The band understandably yet regrettably has no plans to tour; with today’s road economics and newly minted prog rock’s niche appeal, the financials would never work. At least we have the videos and the album itself, which is a superb listen from start to finish that gets better each time. It is refreshing to the utmost to see a band making no effort to hide its age or tailor its sound to tickle pop-drenched ears. “

C.O.R.E.” by Circuline is measured, intelligent rock‘n’roll that doubtless will never crack the Billboard charts, but will immediately earn a top-level ranking in the hearts and minds of music fans yearning for something beyond borderline AI uncreative creations cranked out by a soulless music industry.

The album is available for purchase on the band’s website and can be found on all streaming music platforms.