This was not an expected release, as Pretend usually wait a long time before releasing new material, but it sure is a welcome one. Circular Raesoning is the shortest thing in Pretend's discography by a country mile, but what it lacks in length it makes up for in it's amazing songwriting. Once again, Pretend's intricately beautiful guitars and creative drumming are on an equal footing, and the vocals are just as airy and encompassing as ever. They start out the record with "Some How", which is like their own little "Together Those Leave"; it's the most memorable song they've ever created even though initially it doesn't follow what they'd usually do. The crown jewel, of course, is "Longer Repose", with some insane drumming and wonderfully complex guitar lines that seem to go on forever and ever in a great way. It may possible be Pretend's heaviest song to date. Despite being only half the length of their usual output at thirty-six minutes, Pretend make sure each and every one of those minutes are used to the fullest potential. One of the best bands in post-rock today, period.
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