Klay Scott, or whatever he decides to call himself this week, gives what may be his farewell performance as Circle of Dust in Disengage. I have to say that while I like this, I don't think it is as good as Brainchild.
The music itself is as gripping and technically excellent as before, but most of those lovely samples that really made things shine and gave that poignant flavor to the music are not evident here. I was really looking forward to hear what audio clips Klay would use this time. Without the samples to support the music a la Brainchild, the success or failure of Disengage rests solely on Klay's considerable skill as a musician. It has a heavier edge and sound than earlier releases, but without the samples, it just doesn't have that take-your-breath-away fascination. Even on a bad day, though, Circle of Dust is better than most of the stuff out there in the Christian or secular markets.
Lyrically and musically, three themes are revisited constantly throughout the album -- "Refractor," "Chasm," and "You are Fragile." This gives the entire project a unity and flow that I have come to associate with Klay and Circle of Dust's music. The three themes blend together to give us a view into Klay's soul. We can hear his cries of pain as he desperately searches for God through the struggles he has faced. The imagery is very strong here, but I'll leave it up to the listener to decide whether or not Klay succeeded.
As usual, Klay's production is flawless. If he has to give up doing Circle of Dust, I hope he will continue to produce. His production capabilities and his musical talent have improved both Klank and Living Sacrifice. If he does continue to produce, we can be hopeful for the future of heavy Christian music. I will enjoy Disengage, but I find myself listening to Brainchild more. For someone's first taste of Circle of Dust, this will be a big hit, but for those of us who are already big Circle of Dust fans, this seems like a sad way to say goodbye to a "band" we have come to love.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Aaron C. AndersonRetroactive Records has delivered a real treat for fans of quality industrial music. Circle of Dust essentially is the brainchild of the exceedingly talented Klay Scott. The sampling and programming elements on this album are nothing short of phenomenal. The lyrics vary from faith, frustration, and life among other things. Disengage was originally released in 1998 and this reissue includes all…HM Magazine #72Reviewed by Brian Vincent McGovernI am so glad this record got released after all! Upon my first hearing Circle of Dust, it did not take long to make me a devoted fan of Klay's electronic wizardry. Heavy industrial and electronica are mixed with intense, honest songwriting, making this one of the best in the genre this year. The only problem I have with this disc is that, though there are 10 tracks of Disengage, and then 6 tracks…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Jeremy ChoiIt is an extreme understatement to say that this is a long-awaited album. After releasing their self-titled record way back in 1992, Circle of Dust has been almost non-existent. Sure, the genius behind Circle of Dust, Scott Albert, may have been a part of a number of other projects in one way or another (Brainchild, Argyle Park, Klank). And true, the original Circle album was redone in 1995 with…Similar sounding releases
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