Circle - Lokki (Raunio)

Formed in 1991, Circle is the most visible and prolific name in the Finnish avant-rock underground. Having survived innumerable lineup changes, the band and its founder, bassist/vocalist/guitarist Jussi Lehtisalo, have constantly reinvented themselves, weaving hypnotic mantras out of exacting Krautrock beats, heavy riffs, arty noise, dark psychedelia, and soundtrack-like beauty. Hard, chilly repetition has served as the lone unifying theme throughout 15 years of experiments.

Circle's line-up has constantly changed over the years as the founder, Jussi Lehtisalo, is the only member who has been in the band the entire time. However, since recording 2003's Guillotine the core line-up has consisted of Lehtisalo with Mika Rättö, Tomi Leppänen and Janne Westerlund. Since 2009, brothers Julius and Pekka Jääskeläinen have appeared on all recordings by the band. Sound engineer and experimental musician/composer Tuomas Laurila is also credited as a member of the band on a number of releases.

Circle are known for their extremely prolific release schedule. In 2007, for instance, they released three studio albums, three live albums (including one double CD), a 7" single and three album re-issues, one of which (Arkades) included an entire disc of unreleased material. However, in more recent years Circle releases have slowed, as the members of the group spend more time on side projects. Lehtisalo, Leppänen and Westerlund also comprise the regular members of stoner rock spin-off group, Pharaoh Overlord. Rättö and Lehtisalo also perform and record together as a duo, and as a trio with Kauko Röyhkä. Other projects featuring members of Circle include Steel Mammoth, Ektroverde, Plain Ride, Lusiferiinin Armosta and Doktor Kettu, amongst many others.

Circle -- Raunio (Live)
Label:
Ektro Records
Catalog#:
EKTRO-016
Format:
CD
Country:
Finland
Released:
2002

1 Raunio I
2 Alotus
3 Raunio II
4 Kultaa
5 Raunio III
6 Lokki
7 Dedofiktion
8 Potto
9 Raunio IV