Search - Circa Survive :: Blue Sky Noise

Classic Circa with a twist of new age rock. Shaken, not stir

Travis Love | Waxhaw, NC USA | 04/20/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Here we are, three albums deep in the Circa Survive catalog. After such classics as Juturna and On Letting Go, we are left with Blue Sky Noise. How do you compare three completely different bodies of work? Where "Juturna" was very spastic and felt like it was out of control, "On Letting Go" reigned in the chaos to deliver better choruses and more control in the song structure. Take both of these albums, mix them together, and pour out for a basic idea of the feeling of "Blue Sky Noise."



In order to avoid reviewing each and every song, I've chosen a few songs from the album to highlight my point.



First up is "Get Out," what I consider to be their first monster single, finds Circa playing it safe and sticking to what they know best. Creatively, this song is not a far reach from what they've known and we've loved, but sometimes you have to appease the masses before you can conquer new territory.



In "I Felt Free," Anthony switches from his high-pitched falsetto to a rather common sounding singing voice, not dissimilar to that of Linkin Park's Chester. My wife liked the song, but as an avid fan, I was not terribly impressed. I love that Circa is nothing like Linkin Park, and I can only hope that this song is not a portent of the future.



"Imaginary Enemy" finds the band reaching as if they have something to prove. Where before Circa was famous for their spacy, trippy music, and Anthony Green's other-worldly lyrics, this song showcases their fast-paced and frenetic side we haven't witnessed since "Juturna." Think "Act Appalled" on a major dose of steroids.



The shining moment, in my opinion, on the album is the masterpiece "Fever Dreams." Anthony has gone from writing phenomenal lyrics on "Juturna" to drastically stepping it up on "Letting Go," to putting his application in on the title as one of the greatest song writers of our generation. The song flows back and forth taking you on an emotional ride, letting the listener feel exactly what he was feeling while writing.



"Spirit of the Stairwell" shifts gears from classic Circa to a Pink Floyd-esque style reminiscent of Dark Side Of The Moon. All that's missing is the soul-singing and church bells floating in the background.



And finally, the last track on the album, "Dyed in the Wool," carries sweeping vocal harmonies, epic melodies and solid drums and base supporting the backbone. Also in this song, as in other songs in the album, there is a recurring theme of haunting gang vocals/chants that are at once eerie and unsettling, but still leaving you with a sense of calm. It's a juxtaposition you wouldn't think would work, but is pulled off with style and grace.



I know that my opinion of this album should not sway someone from wanting to buy this album. If you have listened to Circa as long as I have, you know full well that the only way to make an assessment of how they've progressed on any album is to listen for yourself. I encourage any fan that is worried that the band has lost touch by signing to a major label to ignore the nay-sayers and draw your own conclusions. For any newbie to Circa, like my wife, also give the album a fair try - you might be surprised to find yourself reaching for this disc next time you need some good music for your ride to work.



Here's to album number 4."

This is Art

K. E. Burks | 05/28/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Like the best art, it does take some effort and attention on your part to get into it. Once you do, you will be hooked. The first listen overwhelmed me - it was too much, too intense, too much going on, and it was hard to reign it in and get into it. Each listen gave me more. I found myself singing parts of songs in my head for hours. Piece by piece it will burrow into your brain until you have to have more. And then at some point, everything becomes clear, and it is the only thing you want to listen to. You'll find something new with every listen. I love their previous albums, but none of them gripped me like this one. Phenomenal."

The best one!

Peter E. Frangel | Sacramento, CA | 04/22/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a big fan of Circa Survive for a long time now, so of course I'm going to love this album! But to be honest, not only am I a big fan...this cd is simply one of the most amazing pieces of music I have heard in the last year or so. Not only is Anthony's voice exceptional, but the lyrics flow with the music like a sweet breeze over a grassy field. The guitars and bass have never been so entwined and worked to each others benefit to such an extent. The melodies don't just work well together, it's as though they were meant to be put together. Songs like Frozen Creek are just, simply put, incredible. Another addition to this album over their others is the blending between tracks. Each one leads into the next, a la Mars Volta, and it really works to bring life to the album. It's not just a bunch of songs put together, it's an entire story, something to be experienced from beginning to end.



I've waited a long time for this and it has already made it up to one of my top albums in the last year at least, if not longer."