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| Circa Survive - Juturna | Circa Survive – Juturna
Release Date: April 19, 2005
Record Label: Equal Vision Records
Circa Survive’s debut record hits stores with an undeniable amount of hype behind it. Vocalist Anthony Green is one of the most respected and idolized singers in the scene today. He is of course known for his work in such bands as Saosin, Zolof the Rock and Roll Destroyer, etc. His latest endeavor comes courtesy of Equal Vision’s Circa Survive, a technical indie rock band with interesting time signatures and melodies. The music itself can be compared to Further Seems Forever, but with a bit more quirk to it. Anthony’s vocals vary from straight forward blasting of melodies (Act Appalled) to bizarre rhythms matched with slightly odd musicianship. The album’s opener, “Holding Someone’s Hair Back” is an example of Circa’s weird side. Still, the intentional clash between vocals and offbeats melds together nicely for a solid head-nodding tune. The second track, “Act Appalled,” is easily my favorite on the album. Saosin fans will love this song, as Anthony hits the peaks of his range and strains his voice on the higher notes. Listeners who are unfamiliar with Anthony’s style of singing will be pleasantly surprised at his ability to max out his range and turn each note into a second of raw emotion. The music is basic enough to let the song be driven by Anthony’s voice, which I see as a smart decision.
The album progresses with spacey vocals and technical instrumentation. Transitions are loosely defined and rolling bass lines give each song a lazy feel. “The Glorious Nosebleed” is a solid track, albeit strange. Circa has definitely pegged their sound, and it’s very existential, for lack of a better term. This and other tracks use futuristic effects on many different elements. Wisely, the only thing that is rarely touched as far as effects go is Anthony’s voice. I have to respect Circa Survive for what they do as far as songwriting. The music has a very interesting feel to it; each song redefines the band’s sound. The problem with this is, there are plenty of bands out there who make slightly off-kilter music, and many of them do it better than Circa Survive. If ever there was a band whose sound needed to grow on you, it would be these guys. While the music is certainly nothing basic, it lacks energy and the pace of the album becomes dreadfully slow by the end. The dreamy vocals flow completely separate from the music for whole songs at a time. The band members of Circa Survive just play background music while Anthony does whatever the hell he wants, and it just doesn’t work. While in parts this is awesome, the music desperately needs more concrete sections of unified musicianship and vocals, like in “Act Appalled” and “Oh, Hello.”
I respect Circa Survive and I think they have a ton of talent, but this album is just a lackluster effort from a band that is capable of much more. Despite being disappointing, it’s still a relatively solid album. If you’re into technical indie rock, you might really dig Juturna. Just don’t expect another Saosin, because this is far from it.
Edit: I later fell in love with this record and found the spacey music to be beautiful. |
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Displaying posts 1 - 15 of 23. |
04:06 PM on 12/14/05 | this album is amazinggg. everyone who hasn't listened to circa survive, I highly suggest that you go look into them. | | |
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06:22 PM on 12/14/05 | yeah this album has grown on me a ton, i didn't listen to it extensively for a while because I wasn't into after the first listen through, but now...i'm sold | | |
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08:08 PM on 12/15/05 | Originally Posted by Scott Weber Transitions are loosely defined and rolling bass lines give each song a lazy feel. |
Shit, thats the exact feeling i get from the cd, I just didnt know how to explain it. Great review. | | |
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02:05 PM on 02/04/06 | i love this record so much right now. | | |
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02:32 PM on 02/18/06 | this is an amazing album. "act appalled" is the most straight forward, "normal" sounding song and this why i believe it to be most people's favorite. however, in my opinion upon further listening you will discover that "in fear and faith" and "we're all thieves" are easily the best tracks. they are simply beautiful songs. | | |
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11:01 PM on 02/20/06 | the great golden baby is just a beautifully put together song....and said once again anthony's vocals are just amazing on this cd... | | |
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10:28 PM on 02/28/06 | Originally Posted by amandag the great golden baby is just a beautifully put together song....and said once again anthony's vocals are just amazing on this cd... |
agreed... the great golden baby rounds out my top 3 on the album w/ the other two i stated above. amazing stuff for sure... | | |
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02:09 PM on 04/17/06 | One of my favorite bands! Hope they don't disappoint on their next release. | | |
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02:35 PM on 04/17/06 | This entire album is about myspace. | | |
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12:16 AM on 10/23/06 | Wonderful Cd, Wonderful Vocalist, Wonderful Wonderful | | |
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04:49 PM on 11/14/06 | Don't read the review up there because, well, it sucks.
Are you really trying to claim this cd is a complete failure? 3% out of 100? Th at is pure madness. This cd is wonderful, Anthony Green and Co. are amazing muscians, I think their creativity is second to none. There are no structured songs besides Act Appalled, and The Great Golden Baby. CS is a departure in everyway from his days with Saosin. Had Green wanted to make a cd that did not showcase his creativitity, he would most likely still be the frontman for Saosin. I think this cd pushes the boundaries of current music because so many people do not realize how similar every song and band are to each other. This reason will also be the same reason people will write off this band on their first listen. Don't be one of those people. | | |
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01:46 PM on 12/06/06 | Originally Posted by cockers Don't read the review up there because, well, it sucks.
Are you really trying to claim this cd is a complete failure? 3% out of 100? Th at is pure madness. This cd is wonderful, Anthony Green and Co. are amazing muscians, I think their creativity is second to none. There are no structured songs besides Act Appalled, and The Great Golden Baby. CS is a departure in everyway from his days with Saosin. Had Green wanted to make a cd that did not showcase his creativitity, he would most likely still be the frontman for Saosin. I think this cd pushes the boundaries of current music because so many people do not realize how similar every song and band are to each other. This reason will also be the same reason people will write off this band on their first listen. Don't be one of those people. |
well if u would have read it u can see that he just never filled the ratings bar out | | |
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09:27 AM on 12/10/06 | I was the exact same when I first heard them. I didn't really like the style at first but a month later I listened to it and I fell in love, no idea how. I have to say though, the drummers style in this band is AMAZING. It sounds like a mix of jazz/swing and he pulls it off perfectly, especially in Stop The Car
And seriously, do you honestly think he gave it a 3%? You obviously didn't even bother to read the review lol. | | |
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10:38 AM on 04/19/07 | this is easily one of the greatest albums ever. i had a six month period where i was completely entranced by this cd, unwilling to listen to anything else. the vocals, the music, the lyrics. all amazing beyong belief. i am continually in awe of the album.
meet me in montauk/house of leaves is the greatest song ever.
especially after you see where he drew the inspiration from.
ugh. i love it. | | |
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