Even after a few listens to the new album from Philadelphia’s Circa Survive, I wasn’t really sure what I was going to write here. The album is called On Letting Go and it is full of agile and atmospheric rock music that straddles the line between accessible and something a little more post-hardcore.
Perhaps because the album is out on Equal Vision Records and because Circa Survive’s vocalist Anthony Green was previously in Saosin, I think I was expecting something a little more hardcore. What I found was atmospheric nu-emo that falls into the same category as what Sparta and countless other bands are doing.
On Letting Go simply sounds like a document of a band that is still searching for their identity. There is nothing terrible about any of the songs on the record, but aside from a few tracks, nothing really stands out. Imagine stripping away a majority of the experimental bits from the first Mars Volta album or all the catchy melodies from a Coheed album and you’d be left with this. It is good, but basically unremarkable.
The guys in Circa Survive are (without question) talented musicians and On Letting Go is technically brilliant, there is really nothing to hook the listener and demand repeated listens. Perhaps you might feel differently after hearing the tracks below. I’m not hating Circa Survive here, I just think that they have the potential for so much more.
NOTE: After writing the above review, I listened to On Letting Go again, and it started growing on me a little more. Just thought I’d let you know.
MP3 | Circa Survive – Semi Constructive Criticism On Letting Go
MP3 | Circa Survive – The Difference Between Medicine And Poison Is The Dose On Letting Go
I totally agree with this review. “Atmospheric Nu-emo”. With a voice that amazing how can their record be so bland? I also think the overall recording quality really suffers from the pitfall of overcompression that Dylan and J. Robbins have been bringing up lately.
There’s no need to dance around it. This sucks. Put it on Clear Channel New Alternative Radio and forget about ‘em.
i absolutly love the first record. and i dig this one alot. funny thing is i hated anthony greene in Saosin buti can get behind it in circa
Their first album was brilliant. This album, after a few listens, is also brilliant. Circa consists of pure talent.
One of my favorite records… Anthony’s voice is amazing. The more you listen to this record, the better it gets. There is simply a lot going on in each song and it can’t all be taken in if it is only listened to once.
very different and thats whats catchy about it. I agree that circa suits anthony’s voice a whole lot better. The whole band screams raw musical talent. Anthony included. Very powerful music. just because it is not overstated and as hard hitting with crazy solos and predictable breakdowns does not mean its lacking at all. great record. its still on repeat for me.
I absolutely love this band. It’s not the sappy “I love you” Kind of music. But it’s also not depressing. The lyrics have meaning.The lyrics are just amazing. “ How can i act like ive made this when i so Obviously had another hand” Or “ I’ve pretended to care for hours I’ve pretended to care for days. But your mouth never closed, Your excuses are filled with holes. I love this band soo much.There are something different. Anthonys voice is utterly amazing.