Sweetback packs intense feelings into their slow, sexy grooves. Stage 2 is the second album from the band and it?s taken 8 years to see the light of day. It?s easy to forgive them when you realize just how busy its members have been the past few years. The trio worked as Sade?s band since the start of her career and each pursue diverse musical projects on their own. Stuart Matthewman produces and remixes under the name Cottonbelly, Andrew Hale scores films and Paul Denman manages his 15 year old son?s rock band. The divergent interests of the group helped to create a textured soundscape of an album. "Circles" is a dark, mysterious mix of mellow beats accompanied by the gritty voice of Mark Anthony Thompson a.k.a. Chocolate Genius. The melodic and soothing voice of Naked Music artist Aya graces several tracks on the album too, adding an air of sophistication to the set.