New Music: Spire Circle – Velveteen

Manchester-based Spire Circle continue a great run of singles with the release of atmosphere-laden Velveteen.

Drawing from influences that highlight the band’s natural affinity with the European dark scene, Velveteen has a strong dark wave theme, even as the synths lighten that with hints of futurepop and synthpop.

I tend to prefer songs that have a strong and central place for the melody, but here, the lilt of the arpeggios and the sweeping tones of the synths take its place, all the while amplifying the vocal’s brooding presence, allowing them to remain the focal point of the song.

If you’re familiar with MESH, De/Vision, or Clan of Xymox, the ‘showstopper’ quality of Velveteen – it’s a perfect set-closer for a festival appearance at Infest or Amphi – will likely bring back, and create, good memories.

Velveteen and more releases from Spire Circle can be downloaded on Bandcamp and streamed on Spotify. Catch up with Spire Circle on their Facebook and Instagram social media for gig news updates and further options for streaming their music.