With the month of May winding down, and on the eve of an incredible season of releases, I did get a chance to get my hands on the advance version of Circa Survive's latest records On Letting Go.
Circa Survive is by far one of my favorite bands for numerous reasons. For one, singer Anthony Green is one of the most incredible vocalists I have ever heard in my entire life, and his contributions to us as music lovers will forever be etched in my mind, therefore, making it hard to not at least like anything he works on for that reason.
Secondly, I grew up on Green's era of post-hardcore act Saosin, therefore, giving me a raised eyebrow to this band when they first burst on the scene.
On Letting Go is the band's Sophomore effort (not including a sessions demo they released early on), and though it's hard to see such a progressive band progress, this release has but those doubts to shame.
First hand, the only draw back of this record was a lack of presence production wise, however, other than the simple fact of its production mediocrity, On Letting Go is a masterpiece from start to finish.
Musically, the band has shifted to a slightly heavier, almost more vibrant guitar sound. Not meaning the songs are faster by any means, actually, overall the pace of the record is slower than their earlier release. However, guitar licks, as opposed to guitar riffs are what set this album apart musically. Also the instance of incredibly insightful lyrics, appropriate melodies, and GREAT time signatures that will have any Rush fan crooning.
Bottom line is that this is how bands should progress from record to record. Not necessarily fixing what isn't broke, but merely shifting subtle aspects to leave listeners trying to pinpoint what exactly it is that makes this record more special than others.
Growth doesn't always have to be outside of your music style, this it what sets great bands, apart from good ones.
FINAL GRADE: A
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