The Circle (Wipers album)

The Circle is the fifth studio album by the American punk rock band Wipers, released in 1988. Unlike their earlier, more raw and aggressive recordings, The Circle features a cleaner, more polished sound, incorporating elements of alternative rock and even touches of psychedelia. While retaining Greg Sage's distinctive songwriting style – characterized by introspective lyrics and driving guitar riffs – the album represents a shift in production and overall aesthetic for the band.

The album's sound is attributed in part to Sage's exploration of studio techniques and a desire for greater sonic clarity. While some longtime fans initially reacted with mixed feelings due to the departure from the band's earlier sound, The Circle has since been re-evaluated and is often cited as one of the Wipers' most accomplished and nuanced works. Key tracks on the album include "Land of the Lost," "Let Me Know," and the title track, "The Circle." The album's lyrical content often explores themes of isolation, disillusionment, and the cyclical nature of life.