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Bandname: Circa Survive 
Title: Juturna
Genre: Alternative Rock
Release Date: Summer 2005
Record Company / Label: Equal Vision Records, Inc.
 


Introduction

This album was brought to my attention by a very good friend of mine with the remark “You’re probably gonna like this a lot.” What can I say, it surprised me. Circa Survive is a band that hardly anyone knows about on this side of the world (with the likely exception of the UK). Maybe some of you have heard of Saosin (which was also blessed with the vocals of Anthony Green). It’s complex, melodic and most of all intriguing. A band with a bright future, that’s for sure.


Line-Up

Steve Clifford
Colin Frangicetto
Nick Beard
Anthony Green
Brendan Ekstrom
 

Website

www.circasurvive.com
 
 
Song Review

01. Holding someone’s hair Back – 3:22
Beat, guitar chords stroked, but when the vocals and bass guitar kick in, the first thing that springs to mind is the vocal approach of The Mars Volta. Yes, it is a man. Anthony Green’s vocals probably won’t please everyone, but after listening to the entire album it is clear that they fit perfectly. Open guitars, loads of melody lines, solid but playful drums, very trendy, very now.

02. Act Appalled – 3:20
Straight into song number 2. The drive of the up-tempo drums with the abstract guitar parts push this song into a very loud but dreamy track. The constant dynamics make this song a real adventure to listen to. From full out total band cacophony to laid back clean guitars and atmosphere.  

03. Wish Resign – 4:14
The dramatics continue. Third song, and despite that I notice that the vocals are so disconnected that they start to sound similar throughout the album, I don’t seem to really mind. There’s so much happening, but it all stays very ethereal, floating almost. Incredible drummer, and 2 guitar players weaving there very intricate melody lines around the powerful beats. Loads of reverb on the final riff.

04. The Glorious Nosebleed  – 3:13
Off-beat start and distorted riffing, only to fall completely back to a quiet piece with soft vocals. Only to kick off again after a few bars. This song is a roller coaster. Definitely one my favourite tracks on this album. Building constantly towards another climax. Chorus and reverb on the guitars make this the most abstract album I heard in a long time. The constant melancholy that pours from the melodies and the vocals.

05. In Fear and Faith  – 3:35
Just when you think you have found the gem on the album Circa Survive surprises me with an even better one. This song really made me feel that this is the essence of this band. This is what their sound is all about. 2 Totally different clean guitar parts, the drumbeats that open up the entire song, hardly any distortion, a vocalist that screams his lungs out at times, packed with emotion. Incredible.

06. The Great Golden Baby – 4:11
A swaying start to a new track. It reminded me a bit of the EP of The Entity I reviewed a while back. Dubbed vocal tracks lift this track into another ethereal song. At times I really do think it sounds a bit like those alternative atmospheric Scandinavian bands. Progressive yet all about melody, emotion and gloom.

07. Stop the Fuckin’ Car – 4:22
Despite the aggressive title the track starts off quite mellow and laid back. Even when the distorted guitars kick in it’s still not kicking you in the face. The drums are impressive. Constantly building, but the climax is an easy to digest chorus with the usual freight load of melody lines.

08. We’re all Thieves – 4:53
For a second I thought this was still part of the track before, but it flowed so smoothly that it was meant to fool the listener. I do get the feeling that this album is one big roller coaster ride through the melancholic and melodic world of Circa Survive. Referring to The Mars Volta and a wide variety of their other influences. 

09. Oh, Hello  – 2:36
And then it’s time for the loudest and the shortest track on this album. For a second it reminded me of a lost track by Jane’s Addiction. Loud parts followed by a swaying chorus. All different kinds of woven through vocal lines make this a slightly chaotic song, but it totally fulfills its purpose.

10. Always getting what you Want – 4:01
The last actual track of the album is another easy going mellow song. A slightly bombastic track to get this album to a suitable ending. I think this might not be to everyone’s liking, but it still has many links to atmospheric metal and even goth bands.

11. Meet Me in Montauk – 14:39

The last musical piece sounds like an acoustic song they recorded in someone’s living room. The multiple vocal tracks give away that it’s not. All kinds of background noises, whistling, laughing, and the slammed door, which signals the abrupt end of this slightly weird track after only 2 minutes. After 10 minutes an extra track comes by. Maybe they wanted the actual end to be more serious.
 
 
Technical information

Total playing time: 52:32
Total numbers: 11


Cover pictures



 
Conclusion

What an original album this is. Packed with emotion, melodies, melancholy, instrumental extravaganza, dynamics,… Maybe it falls under the category of musician’s music, but I still believe in the fact that this might appeal to a lot of people. It only takes one person to point them out, and the other person with an open mind to have a listen.  This is definitely one of my albums that will appear in my list for 2005. Good open, dreamy sound. Very carefully and beautifully constructed songs. If you’re in for something different (and maybe you already have albums of bands like Dredg, Oceansize, and the Mars Volta) this might be one for you!
 

Rating

Music: 9
Sound: 8
Extra's: n/a
Total: 8.5

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