Circa Survive

Circa Survive is an experimental rock band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They combine elements of progressive rock, post-hardcore and ambient to create a wide array of different sounds in their music. Circa Survive was formed after vocalist Anthony Green left his previous band Saosin in favor of a more experimental sound. Since 2004, the band has been developing their sound through experimentation with different genres and sounds to re-invent themselves with each release. They frequently collaborate with artist Esao Andrews, who produces their album artwork.

Juturna (2005)

 Circa Survive's debut album Juturna is one of their more ambient releases. Often, the songs are very quiet and focus heavily on soft instrumentation. They do not however keep themselves attached to this style and still try a more explosive sound that will be heard on later albums. The combination of these styles along with Green's high and airy vocals creates a very peaceful, yet atmospheric feeling through out the album. Though the songs are very consistent in quality, the only major fault I can find with the album is the production. Granted, it does contribute slightly to the album's tone, it is often not as clear as I would like it to be sometimes, making it difficult to fully appreciate all of the album's factors. Still, Juturna is a very solid release.

Recommended Songs: Holding Someone's Hair Back, Act Appalled, The Great Golden Baby, House of Leaves (Hidden Track)

On Letting Go (2007)

This album is incredibly well done. The production faults of Juturna are fixed in On Letting Go, creating some much needed clarity in Circa Survive's songs. On Letting Go is also very energized in comparison to their previous release, with a shift in their sound toward more fast-paced and amplified guitars. I believe that this sound compliments their melodies quite well and shows that the band is capable of escaping certain aspects of their music while still retaining their overall tone. They still leave plenty of room for more ambient and slower songs, which go along well with the alternative/progressive rock songs, often blending the two contrasting elements.

Recommended Songs: Living Together, In the Morning and Amazing..., The Difference Between Medicine and Poison is in the Dose, Travel Hymn, On Letting Go, Your Friends are Gone

Blue Sky Noise (2010)

Easily Circa Survive's most controversial release yet, Blue Sky Noise further departs from the atmospheric roots from Juturna and heads into a surprisingly pop direction. Though there is still a prominent influence from more ambient/calm sounds, Circa Survive ventured into more conventional song structure in Blue Sky Noise. However, this has not made them boring in the slightest. By getting into more pop structure, Circa Survive has merely added it to their repertoire, allowing them to blend previous sounds with this new one with relative ease. While some songs are more traditional of Circa Survive, (Glass Arrows, Dyed in the Wool) more catchy (Strange Terrain, I Felt Free) and even in-your-face (Get Out) styles of music can be explored. As long as Circa Survive continues to add new sounds to their music, they can continuously impress already established fans and attract newcomers as well.

Recommended Songs: Strange Terrain, Get Out, Glass Arrows, I Felt Free, Fever Dreams, The Longest Mile, Dyed in the Wool