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viewing 1 To 5 of 5 items
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LP
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CC 013LP
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$29.00
PREORDER
RELEASE DATE: 7/3/2026
"Concentric Circles is pleased to present a collection of recordings from Halkyn, the solo project of Chris Coyle, most known for being a member of much beloved Leeds, UK group Empress. Halkyn released two 7"s around the turn of the century on the 555 label, which have, like a lot of the best music from that time, fallen somewhat by the wayside. This LP release collects both of those 7"s, along with a few tracks that originally appeared on compilations, and two unreleased recordings from the time. Halkyn was part of a small non-scene of sorts in Leeds that included Hood and Empress, which collectively was a small group of friends who appeared on each other's records, with Hood acting as somewhat of an anchor. In addition, they all shared a similar knack for writing beautifully melancholic music, with an occasional foray into electronic abstraction that still remained approachable. Halkyn's music was imbued with a glass-like sense of fragility, sometimes feeling like it's on the verge of collapse, but Coyle, being a master of melody, always rooted his tracks back down into the earth. This is music for slow, grey skied walks in the countryside. Halkyn has remained a lesser-known name from that special time in music, but we hope that this LP, released in an edition of 300 copies with beautiful jacket photography from Coyle himself, will help put his name on the map where he belongs."
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LP
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CC 012LP
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$29.00
PREORDER
RELEASE DATE: 4/3/2026
"Malmo, Sweden's Sternpost returns to Concentric Circles with unworld.afterpop. Following on the heels of the much-loved Ulrika, the new album from Sternpost, AKA multi-instrumentalist Petter Herbertsson, shimmers with immersive, cinematic arrangements that sound like they could have only come from a dream. Taking inspiration from Paddy McAloon of Prefab Sprout's I Trawl the Megahertz and A Breath of Life by Brazilian author Clarice Lispector, with some bits of Van Dyke Parks and Art Bears thrown in for good measure, it is apparent from the start that unworld.afterpop is no scrappy DIY affair. The songs are alive with an unbelievably lush and warm production quality, belying their homerecorded origins. Not content to simply rest on his laurels and repeat himself from release to release, unworld.afterpop sits at the meeting point between Herbertsson's more overtly pop structured group Testbild! (four of whose members appear here), and Sternpost's explorations into harmonic texture and countermelody. Albums this richly ambitious, detailed and mature feel almost out of step with modern music, having more in common with grand late '60s or early '70s productions, when producers working in a 'pop' context were more likely to stack layers in the studio, creating mini orchestras of sound. Most importantly, nothing here feels superfluous or unnecessary, with every detail and instrument simply being exactly where it should be. Concentric Circles is incredibly honored to present new recordings from Sternpost, with a release that reminds you that sometimes a really good, fully formed album is the best way to experience music."
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LP
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CC 011LP
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"London's The Lo Yo Yo was conceptualized by John 'Alig' Pearce in 1984 after his primary group, the deservedly legendary Family Fodder, went dormant. Soon enough a few others were enlisted to round out the quartet, including Mick Hobbs of The Work and Officer! fame, alongside friends Joey Stack and Carrie Brooks. The Lo Yo Yo took elements from their other groups and, in the tradition of somewhat like-minded acts like The Raincoats, Naffi and Amos & Sara, added a strong dub/reggae element. Shortly before their lone studio LP, which was recorded by Charles Bullen of This Heat fame, the band self-recorded a demo tape at home on an eight-track reel to reel, reissued here on vinyl for the first time by Concentric Circles. It is a wonder of DIY production with a rich and layered sound that belies their humble means. Although about half of the songs on the demo would wind up being re-recorded for the studio LP, the demo versions are radically different from what is heard on their proper album. There is a feeling of intensity to the demo that was missing from the LP, which had a noticeably cleaner fidelity and more subdued playing. Here the band plays with true force and determination, with Stack's socialist leaning lyrics taking on an extra sharp bite. Unafraid to show off their skills at writing irresistibly catchy pop songs, things are carried on by Alig's big bass sound and a barrage of polyrhythmic dueling drums and percussion. The Lo Yo Yo tapped into a truly special sound, perfectly exemplified on these recordings. Just when you think you've completed the puzzle of arty, dubby '80s post-punk, a stray piece is found on the proverbial floor, just waiting to be picked up. If you aren't dancing around the room by the end of this album, you need to visit the foot doctor. Concentric Circles is delighted to bring this barely heard, infectious album from The Lo Yo Yo to modern audiences for the first time."
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