The utter beauty of Mike Bloom’s debut King of Circles is intoxicating. From the very first track he hooks you with soft melodies and whimsical wanderings. His distinctively unique sound and a knack for impressive imagery and songwriting set him apart from the sea of musicians of the indie-pop persuasion currently flooding the market.
The album, like so many others, is all about love. However, Bloom approaches the seemingly endless layers of the theme in a refreshing and genuinely heartfelt manner. He explores heartbreak, hope, distance, and so much more in a provoking way.
King of Circles kicks into gear with “Till It’s Over”. If ever there was a perfect soundtrack to a starry summer night, this is it. Bloom’s soft and sensual vocals croon over lyrics of love and longing with a romantic meandering. He picks up the tempo with an enjoyable horn section on “Afterthought to War” and suggests that if all is ill fated than why not let go and fall in love. For a jolt of inspiration look no further than “Red Light Green Light”. The reverb-heavy track is about holding on to the hope for love. It is another beautiful track on which the urgency builds with a soft crescendo.
Bloom’s talent moves succinctly throughout the album. He never ceases to entertain and his creativity flourishes the album progresses. In a sea of clone like indie pop artists, Mike Bloom shines with infectious individuality.
(If you were unaware, Vanessa now has her own site, and it's excellent. Check out The Wayward Charm HERE).