Dreamy synths and a crisp acoustic guitar-strum walk us calmly through a two-chord rise and fall, as The Highlands Project begins to deliver an imagery-laden story both personal and vastly relatable.
Rising up from a somewhat nostalgic, canned vocal-style verse, Circle Of Life goes on to brighten up significantly as the second vocal injects clarity and soulful passion into the mix. All the while, the lyrics remain poetic and thoughtful, but here we resolve – this chorus, this hook, makes for a huge moment, suddenly securing the track’s broader audience appeal.
Things continue to build, an eclectic arrangement noting live drums, impressive piano work, electric guitar, a choir of voices, quirky rhythms, and even a change of pace at the half-way point. Circle Of Life is structurally enthralling, uplifting and with a kind of authentically classic vibe. The song would feel perfectly at home within the soundtrack to something like Almost Famous – an anthemic rock and roll tune, unconfined by its own genre and ultimately elevated by its all-inclusive exploration of the very nature of living.
Beautifully performed, brilliantly arranged, with a mighty dynamic between the two vocal parts and the two different ways of telling this story. Circle of Life is an incredibly well crafted single, it fills the room with a kind of joyful optimism and celebratory energy, and the unity depicted from all involved is naturally inviting. It’s a song of honesty and comfort combined – realism admitted but hope and positivity taking the wheel regardless.
Then there’s the final fifth – enter fresh rhythms, saxophone, a whole new explosion of creative energy. The Highlands Project are on to a winner with this one. The single is a musical extravaganza, eclectic as anything but also with its feet firmly planted amidst a strong concept and hook.
