Monta

When listening to "Where Circles Begin" maybe one should know that MONTA is a one man show, the man in question being none other than Tobias Kuhn who, for the past decade, lent his voice and talent to the incredible band "MILES" as their main singer and songwriter. But then again those references might not be of great importance really, as this is not about MILES but about MONTA and the breathtaking "Where Circles Begin".Tobias has been crafting infectious pop songs as long as any of us can remember. Onward. 'The love to leave behind / the need to find the new'After releasing an initial EP in late 2003 and numerous (solo-) support shows with the likes of Death Cab for Cutie, Bright Eyes, Elbow, Naked Lunch and others, Kuhn finally presents us with his first full-length album, recorded somewhere in between his living room in Munich and a studio in Klagenfurt, Austria (with the generous help of Herwig Zamernik and others).Kuhn's voice remains at the heart of each song on "Where Circles Begin." Accompanied by an acoustic guitar, piano, fender rhodes, horns, gentle distorted guitar sounds and the permanent presence of a theremin, he succeeds in creating a dense and unique atmosphere - spooky at times, mysterious - sometimes sad - but never discouraging. The arrangements are stripped down, minimalistic. Focused on the song. The production carefully adding layers open up to diverse new levels."Where circles Begin" is about openness and angst, about your own expectations and expectations in general. It's about the need to overcome your own daily idleness. It's about "I would be better off somewhere else" and the never ending search for happiness. It's about the ups and downs within relationships of any kind and more than anything it is about hope.'And at the doorway say goodbye / you will be fine' ('Parachute')These 10 tracks might easily be the most intelligent, moving, graceful songs you will get to hear all year.