Circle the Earth 2022

Releasing a string of singles over the last two years, Los Angeles-based, multi-cultural rock band Circle The Earth are back with their first single of 2022, the alternative pop-rock stunner, “Sweetest Pain.” The band’s new tune features heavy guitar solos, striking vocals and a classic, mid-2000s alt-rock sound. In addition to their new single, the band plays in LA at the Mint on Aug. 12 supporting Happy to Be Here.

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Centered on an uneven relationship, where one person is clearly suffering but too hesitant to leave, ‘Sweetest Pain” is wrought with swirling emotions, bursting and bubbling at the surface like water about to boil over the pot as the relationship continually disintegrates. Intensely conflicted lyrics, carried out by lead singer Khadia’s yearning vocals, crash into heavy, electric guitar riffs and solos from guitarist Kazuki Tokaji. The resulting sound is edgy, pressing and all-consuming.

Co-written by Jim McGorman (Avril Lavigne, Weezer, Gwen Stefani, Goo Goo Dolls) and produced by Ethan Kaufman (Avril Lavigne, Ryan Cabrera, DOROTHY), “Sweetest Pain” is understatedly classic without sounding derivative of anything in particular.

In addition to their show at the Mint on Aug. 12, the band performs in Santa Ana on Sept. 2 at La Santa OC with Happy to Be Here and in San Juan Capistrano at the Coach House on Oct. 22 opening up for Oingo Boingo.

Along with Khadia and Tokaji, the five-piece band is made up of founding member, bassist and Atlanta native Michael McBay, Brazilian-born drummer Sandro Feliciano and keyboardist/music director Sandy Chao Wang, who grew up in Taiwan.

With a lineup featuring talented, seasoned musicians — all of whom have an impressive resume of playing and touring — from across the U.S., Taiwan, Brazil, and Japan, the independent band combines seamlessly, a multitude of genres from rock, pop, soul, hip-hop, emo and more. Unbound by any one sound or culture, but deeply united in representing a diverse perspective, Circle the Earth encompass a beautiful culmination of hope, inclusion and love through their music and respective musical prowess.

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Words: Patti Sanchez

For more on Circle the Earth, make sure to visit their website and follow them on Instagram and Twitter.