Klatzke
12/01/08, 07:22 AM
Circus Circus - Brooklyn Nightlife
Record Label: CI Recordings
Release Date: July 15, 2008
Post-hardcore is a pretty generic genre. Everything gets lumped in there and the variations within the artists labeled as post-hardcore are immense. At least in metal and pop the genres are easily definable, unlike this generic post-hardcore label that gets thrown onto too many bands. Circus Circus is another one of those bands unfortunate enough to be pushed into this genre that in no way defines or really even encompasses them. If you're going to call it post-hardcore then go ahead, but get this straight: these guys aren't a carbon copy.
Circus Circus' debut album, Brooklyn Nightlife, is a frenzied, fast paced assault. The musicianship is definitely noteworthy, as the guitars provide most of the drive for the album. Whether it's their fast-paced technical riffing in some places, or the areas where they just display their proficiency, they move the tracks along marvelously. The drums are loud and in-your-face unlike a lot of recordings anymore, and like the guitarists, the drummer is more than proficient at his set. "Fact Monster" is the perfect display of the drummer's talent, and combined with the guitar, this track quickly becomes a testament to Circus Circus' instrumental skills. As for the scattered breakdowns, they're about as perfectly executed as a breakdown can be, and don't sound forced in any way, which is something that a few of their peers should pick up on.
While the musicianship is completely outstanding, the vocals are the focal point of the album. Lead vocalist Mike Williams uses his voice in the most dynamic way possible, and it makes the vocals immensely enjoyable. The way he controls and guides his voice, whether it be from scream to singing, or from singing to screaming adds a certain frenzied sound to the music. The emotion-filled screams perfectly convey the urgent sound, and unlike many vocalists, Williams' voice doesn't grow old after repeat listens.
The consistency on this album is outstanding. Every track fits, and not a single one detracts from the flow of the album. All ten tracks are unusually solid, and if you enjoy one, you're bound to enjoy the rest. I don't mean that they all sound the same, because that's not the case at all. Instead, each track sounds just different enough to make it a unique listen, but not so far away as to make the album choppy and inconsistent.
I truthfully cannot find a bad thing about Brooklyn Nightlife. It's consistent, the musicianship is outstanding, and the vocals are even better. If you enjoy this kind of post-hardcore, hardcore, or whatever you want to call it, then Circus Circus has the perfect album for you.
Fear Before; Kills and Thrills; Blindside (A Thought Crushed My Mind era)
myspace.com/circuscircus (http://www.myspace.com/circuscircus)
originally posted at highbeamreview.com on July 24, 2008
Record Label: CI Recordings
Release Date: July 15, 2008
Post-hardcore is a pretty generic genre. Everything gets lumped in there and the variations within the artists labeled as post-hardcore are immense. At least in metal and pop the genres are easily definable, unlike this generic post-hardcore label that gets thrown onto too many bands. Circus Circus is another one of those bands unfortunate enough to be pushed into this genre that in no way defines or really even encompasses them. If you're going to call it post-hardcore then go ahead, but get this straight: these guys aren't a carbon copy.
Circus Circus' debut album, Brooklyn Nightlife, is a frenzied, fast paced assault. The musicianship is definitely noteworthy, as the guitars provide most of the drive for the album. Whether it's their fast-paced technical riffing in some places, or the areas where they just display their proficiency, they move the tracks along marvelously. The drums are loud and in-your-face unlike a lot of recordings anymore, and like the guitarists, the drummer is more than proficient at his set. "Fact Monster" is the perfect display of the drummer's talent, and combined with the guitar, this track quickly becomes a testament to Circus Circus' instrumental skills. As for the scattered breakdowns, they're about as perfectly executed as a breakdown can be, and don't sound forced in any way, which is something that a few of their peers should pick up on.
While the musicianship is completely outstanding, the vocals are the focal point of the album. Lead vocalist Mike Williams uses his voice in the most dynamic way possible, and it makes the vocals immensely enjoyable. The way he controls and guides his voice, whether it be from scream to singing, or from singing to screaming adds a certain frenzied sound to the music. The emotion-filled screams perfectly convey the urgent sound, and unlike many vocalists, Williams' voice doesn't grow old after repeat listens.
The consistency on this album is outstanding. Every track fits, and not a single one detracts from the flow of the album. All ten tracks are unusually solid, and if you enjoy one, you're bound to enjoy the rest. I don't mean that they all sound the same, because that's not the case at all. Instead, each track sounds just different enough to make it a unique listen, but not so far away as to make the album choppy and inconsistent.
I truthfully cannot find a bad thing about Brooklyn Nightlife. It's consistent, the musicianship is outstanding, and the vocals are even better. If you enjoy this kind of post-hardcore, hardcore, or whatever you want to call it, then Circus Circus has the perfect album for you.
Fear Before; Kills and Thrills; Blindside (A Thought Crushed My Mind era)
myspace.com/circuscircus (http://www.myspace.com/circuscircus)
originally posted at highbeamreview.com on July 24, 2008