FONORADAR label brings a blast from the past with Circle Music + 4, a carefully curated compilation of DRILL FOR ABSENTEE’s rare and unreleased material. This new offering marks a reintroduction to one of Philadelphia’s post-hardcore pioneers. If you’re into bands like REGULATOR WATTS, UNWOUND, or JUNE OF 44, DRILL FOR ABSENTEE deserves a listen.
Originally formed in the mid-90s, DFA was part of the post-hardcore underground scene, but their catalog remained thin—something the band aims to fix with this release. Circle Music + 4 gathers material from their sparse discography, combining their 1997 debut 7″, their Circle Music EP from 1998, and previously unreleased tracks. It’s all about capturing that moment in time while adding a few modern twists.
You get the classics—the raw, noisy tension of “Drown In Words,” recorded during their original 7″ sessions, and the entire Circle Music EP. But the real gem here is “The Sea is Watching,” a track that bridges the past and present, blending a bass line recorded in 1999 with new percussion by Ken Kuniyoshi, DFA’s current drummer.
What makes this release even more special is the approach. This isn’t just a reissue—this is an ode to the band’s unfinished work, polished and shaped by time but still holding onto its DIY roots. Everything’s been meticulously mastered by Bob Weston, and the whole compilation is pressed on a limited 180-gram vinyl, with only 200 copies available.
DRILL FOR ABSENTEE reformed in 2021 with the intention to record one song. That idea snowballed, leading to the release of The Strand of a Lake in 2022, and now, Circle Music + 4 brings their legacy back into the conversation. It’s more than just post-hardcore nostalgia—it’s the continuation of a sound that never got the attention it deserved.
This release does justice to the history while bringing in new energy. A perfect mix of gritty, emotional past and fresh sonic experimentation.
Keep in the loop!
🗞️ Subscribe on Substack
🔔 Join our Messenger and WhatsApp
📜 Get daily news via Instagram Stories
Your support keeps us alive!
IDIOTEQ is a one-man DIY operation, tirelessly spotlighting the local cultural scenes and independent bands that often go unreported elsewhere. Born in the early 00s, this platform has been committed to giving hard-working artists the high-quality coverage they truly deserve.
No ads, no distractions—just pure inspiration and a genuine focus on independent artists and their stories.
Please consider helping keep IDIOTEQ ad-free and in tune with the indie scene by donating today.
DONATE via PayPal 𝗈𝗋 SUPPORT via Patreon
100% of the funds collected go toward maintaining and improving this magazine. Every contribution, however big or small, is super valuable.
Your support ensures that we continue to be a place where you can discover, learn, and get inspired, without any advertising noise. Thank you for being a part of this musical journey.
