The third album from Circa Survive can be seen as their big chance to show that they can do it better than other progressive rock bands. For me, I have always thought Circa Survive were great but not awesome. They have released some standout songs, however they always manage to somehow get lost while my iPod fills up with new music. The few extremely memorable tracks like “The Difference Between Medicine & Poison Is In The Dose” surface somewhat now and then, but few others do. I really think that this album has defined Circa Survive as one of the best at what they produce, and I don’t think I will be losing them within the thousands of songs on my iPod again any time soon.
“Strange Terrain”
“Strange Terrain” is a powerful and appropriate opening track for the album, which is filled with great little lyrical analogies and, of course, Anthony Green’s tremendous vocal abilities which are evident throughout the song. I think the song is one of the more ‘catchy’ ones on the album, with quite a simple progression and structure throughout. It kind of avoids having any extreme experimental edge, yet it has enough to make it not sound like a pop song. It is quite a safe song, but hey, it works, and that’s what matters in the end.
“Get Out”
This song has a great groove throughout the verses and is in a sense harder than the previous track “Strange Terrain”. This song illustrates some of the better guitar work on the album, with little solo breaks bursting out every so often, hinting at more of a progressive and experimental style to the track. I think this is one of the more energetic songs on the album which achieves a hard yet groovy sound, while still keeping it approachable to people who dislike heavier styles of music.
“Glass Arrows”
I really love the guitar at the start of this song, and as soon as I heard it, I had high hopes for this track and it did not disappoint. The song has a chorus that will stick with you while you continue to listen to the rest of the song. The vocal work on this track is great, however I think that this is one of the songs where the actual music outdoes Green’s vocals. I’m not saying his vocals aren’t good on this track, they are awesome, however I think this is a shining example of the talent of the instrumentalists within the band.
“I Felt Free”
I think this song is similar to “Strange Terrain” in the sense of safety. It is not too experimental or progressive, which could bring about new fans. Simply, this song would be a great single in promoting the band and unleashing them upon a new audience. By the end, Green’s voice seems to shine over the music and makes the track seem much more colourful than it was at the beginning.
“Imaginary Enemy”
“Imaginary Enemy” is the second single from the album, and I think is a good choice as the second single. It is a good mix of their musical styles which produces a song that I would call progressive pop, because it’s much like the ‘safer’ songs on the album but is a bit harder and more experimental, especially with help from the guitar work (especially in the solo, about three quarters of the way through). The song finishes with a great little ambient piano bit and leads extremely well into the next track.
“Through The Desert Alone”
I think this is the best build up and start off to any of the songs off the album. The ambient sound from the last song which crosses over slowly builds and builds, until it bursts out with amazing vocals and catchy muted guitar riffs followed by a duel of riffs which sounds amazing. The chorus is brilliant and memorable. The brilliance continues to grow for the duration of the track, which includes a heavy (for lack of a better word) breakdown, which is extremely well done, and is a great end to the first half of the album. This is definitely my favourite song, because it combines all the right elements and is presented in a way that is outstanding.
“Frozen Creek”
A change in pace, this story of a lonely house with a pebble driveway, starts with a very calm chord progression which is accompanied with extremely well executed vocals from Green. The ballad’s chorus is really beautiful, especially the melodies of the guitars and vocal which intertwine in a way where none are drowned out, and all are equal. I think this is another one of my favourites on the album, which is almost the complete opposite of my other favourite track “Through The Desert Alone”.
“Fever Dreams”
One of the more true experimental songs on the album, “Fever Dreams” brings us a delayed guitar, joined with a fast chord progression from an acoustic guitar, and an almost tribal sounding drum beat. With all this going on the vocals manage to flow alongside it in a really cool way. I have to say this song is one of the more interesting songs on the album, due to it being so diverse. I think it’s a great example of some of Circa Survive’s more experimental work.
“Spirit Of The Stairwell”
This is the token slow and sad song on the album and in a sense more of a ballad than the track “Frozen Creek”, featuring, pretty much the acoustic guitar and the vocals, along with a few parts of electric guitar (which mainly is used as an ambience element). It’s quite a sweet song, and is probably the most relaxing track. It doesn’t try to be anything it isn’t by having some grand build up to a big load of irrelevance. It stays true to itself which is what I like about it.
“The Longest Mile”
This is a really cool song, another one of my favourites. It has a more typical Circa Survive sound like some of the songs off their second album “On Letting Go”. It is one of the faster paced songs, which has really cool sounding drums, especially at the beginning of the song. The vocals however are the highlight on this track, which again demonstrate Green’s ability as a vocalist. I like the uplifting sense of the song, where the message is really nailed home by the end.
“Compendium”
I think that this track is a perfect ‘intro’ almost to the final song on the album. It starts off really quite beautifully and then is filled with space noises and a faster pace, which is beautiful in a different sense. The production on the track is really well done, and as I said before sets the scene nicely for the album closer.
“Dyed In The Wool”
The song to me seems like it should be in the soundtrack of an independent film, about teenage love and filled with dark comedy. You know the kind of films I’m talking about. I think “Dyed In The Wool” brings the album to an end awesomely, it basically leaves you feeling happy and reassured of the beautiful things in life.
Basically: All in all I think that the album starts well, but by about half way through it just excels into a truly awesome example of progressive music. I like how there is a good mix of slow and fast, and experimental and safe, because having only one specific style of music on the album would not make it a Circa Survive album. Although many people were unsure of what the album was going to sound like, or were unsure in which direction they were going to take with it, I think that many people will (after a few listens) really begin to dig this awesome effort from Circa Survive.
BEST TRACK: “Through The Desert Alone”
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I could disagree more with you on any level, we just simply have different taste in music. They sold out completely on this cd in search for new fans and every review i see that is positive I find this line among the review “I never really liked circa survive, but this new album is good”
Safe! thats about the only thing i agree with you there. Every song is horribly simple which is the exact opposite of what circa survive is known for. Yeah ive listened to it hundreds maybe thousands of times. Typical rock i can find any where and thats why it appeals to the masses. A shock to your brain with that experimental off beat musical rythum. Well now that circa survive has dropped that “indie” and “experimental” off of their genre that means they sold out to a larger fan base and thus compromised their musical integrady and original fan base
I will never forgive them for what they did to us with this typical album that i can see playing in the background of some poor sap adolecent movie.
Do not buy this cd if you were a true circa fan before cuz you will be mourning a death of real music.
Hey man, I took off the very last sentence of your comment because it was very disrespectful. If you feel the need to bash the album like that feel free to do it elsewhere, positivexposure is not a place to bash. I left the rest up because I guess it can be seen as criticism and not over the top. If you want me to delete the entire comment instead of leaving the last part off, I will.
I didn’t write the review but, I have been a Circa Survive fan from the very beginning and I don’t like the album as much as I liked the others, but I know it will grow on me. People change. They’re married, it’s been five years since their debut and they took their longest break in between albums. The same way when you were younger the stuff on the radio and Mtv were the shit and now you probably like underground experimental stuff and scoff at the radio, artists need to grow and change with their style. I don’t think they sold out, they’re not writing for you or me or anyone but themselves and that’s the opposite of selling out.
So what if you loved it before and you still love the album?
I’m sorry that they’re not indie enough for you anymore, but to go and say that a band “sells out” because some songs sound more contemporary is blasphemous. Go to your iPod, go to Circa Survive and listen to the differences between Juturna and On Letting Go and you will realize that they sound completely different.
I can tell that you loved Juturna. It’s obvious. I’m sorry they don’t cater to you.
I love both Juturna and On Letting Go, but saying that the two sound completely different was pretty funny.
Yeah, saying a band “sold out” just because the songs are more conventional is ridiculous. They wrote music just for themselves before and I’m pretty sure that’s not going to change.
Ha, yeah Juturna and On Letting Go sound alike, but the difference between them is that Juturna was a lot more experimental while On Letting Go is insanely more polished.
As for Blue Sky Noise, I really enjoyed it. Even though the songs don’t sound like their previous work, they’re real good anyway. I can’t put my finger on it, but it seems like the songwriting is coming from a completely different place than the other two albums. It sounds more deliberate. It sounds like they built the songs up from Anthony’s lyrics and actually tried to structure a song. Before it sounded more like they’d jam and then Anthony would write lyrics to fit in with the music. Also I think the instrumentation gets more of a spotlight this album than previous ones. Not only is there an instrumental track, but there are plenty of moments where Anthony’s vocals take a rest and the instrumentation gets to shine.
People can whine that they “sold out” but to me it just seems like the songs were born out of a different writing process.
Juturna is a good first showing, but a lot of the songwriting is disjointed and immature. Some of the songs trip over their own experimentation. On Letting Go was a major step forward, better produced, and a more focused sound, but it could get a little repetitive at times..although I love that album.
Blue Sky Noise is head and shoulders above the other two albums. The band branches out into terrain previously unexplored and the songwriting shows a band who has settled into their sound. It’s diverse and simultaneously cohesive. A very satisfying listen. Definitely my favorite Circa album now.
As for selling out, that statement is a bit over the top. Any comparison to modern rock radio would lay bare the weakness of that argument. If rock radio was a venue for albums like this I may actually listen. I will grant you that this album is different(although it still sounds like them…just a more mature them) and if you don’t like it then fine, but calling into question the band’s integrity as songwriters is pretty out of bounds.
On Letting Go was disappointing for me, it sounded exactly like Juturna. This is great, they finally did something different and hit alot of new colors.
And this is them Selling Out?! I dont in the least bit understand that. “Radio” stuff? For the first time in their career they write in a major key.
I love On Letting Go and Juturna and I’ve been a Circa fan since the Inuit Sessions. I personally think that Blue Sky Noise is their best work to date. Nice review btw.
john, i respect that every individual has an opinion, but seriously dude blue sky noise is in no way shape or form “selling out”. it’s safe to say that it’s a natural progression bands go through and this is a perfect example. you really want a 3rd album from circa sounding exactly like juturna and on letting go? i sure as hell didn’t. lol. but hey that is definitely my opinion.
I don’t understand why old fans wouldn’t like it.
It doesn’t say a whole lot different than their old albums.
Legit stuff.
For those who are interested in some additional reviews to balance John’s comments, here are some links. Also, the user comments at amazon.com are also worth reading.
http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=36085
http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1653522
http://www.examiner.com/x-44633-Berkeley-Live-Music-Examiner~y2010m4d22-Blue-Sky-Noise-is-much-more-than-just-noise
http://www.decoymusic.com/reviews/circa-survive-blue-sky-noise
http://division9radio.blogspot.com/
PLUS: Alternative Press (to be published, Cover Story, May1, p.105) – 4.5 stars out of 5 – “Basically, Circa have learned to write straightforward rock songs without sacrificing a shred of what makes the band so fascinating.”
TF
I preferred Juturna over most of Anthony’s work because I feel it’s the most drug inspired album with a different take on the movie “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” While I feel Blue Sky Noise is mostly off Anthonys personal experiences. Now dont get me wrong I love everything Circa Surivive publishes Including On Letting Go. But with the release of the new album that is a complete new sound and new audience
So, I’m not understanding the great reviews for this album. It’s well produced, well recorded, well sung, well played, etc…but none of the played music is good. Repetitious and basic chord use on guitar, very basic/droll drum use (compare this to their other albums–what happened to their drummer?), and the crispness of Green’s vocals falls out of the ambient-like tone it used to have, pushing into some sort of pop-punk whine. The lyrics are also completely ambiguous–no concrete imagery (unlike their album cover–which is fantastic), it is just self-indulgent shallow lyricism–well sung, but shallow.
Basically the whole album is well played, but shallow. If I was to review this I would give it a 3/5–not garbage, not incredible–there are things to gain other than ‘music for music’s sake’ but not much.
The great reviews for this album are well deserved.
They’re not in their early twenties anymore, some of them are over thirty years old. This album shows maturity, lyrically and musically. All of the songs sound great acoustic but have just as much energy and meaning as all of their other albums. I read that Steve had a dislocated shoulder, so he had surgery for it. Maybe they experimented with acoustic sounds during his recovery, which could explain the lack of drums, which I didn’t even notice.
The mixing and production is different, and Anthony obviously wanted to explore his different vocal ranges, but I don’t hear a “pop-punk whine.” It’s not whiny at all…it’s singing in a comfortable range.
Lyrically…they aren’t ambiguous at all. Where as with Juturna and On Letting Go I said there not know what the HELL Anthony was talking about, I get definite meanings from the majority of songs and the lyrics are not shallow. They are incredibly personal and meaningful.
They took care of reasons people didn’t like them (for example I have heard “it’s like their drummer is afraid of silence” and “what’s with the guitars, there’s no melody there”) while still sounding like Circa Survive.
I think that it’s a waste to say that any band ever doesn’t sell out to some point. Unless you like Daughters and only Daughters (I do like Daughters).
We all do have our own musical tastes, and you’re correct about that John. But there is no reason to call them on selling out. The others posters have a tremendous point – they aren’t 20 anymore and probably aren’t the same people mentally, just like I don’t listen to Juturna as much as I did when I was crying over losing my first girlfriend at 16. It’s just the way things go – people and times change, the music changes.
The thing that you’re trying to do is define genres in such a definite manner that it would be an undercut to your pride of a band if any of your favorites crosses your superimposed line. In reality, you are a genre-nazi, and that line isn’t meant to exist. By saying that they’ve sold out and you no longer respect them for dropping Indie and Experimental from their name, you’re saying that their classification was a reason for your attachment to their music. That is an embarrassment, man. I’m certain that’s not why they make music, and maybe they’re realizing that. True, “rock” does attract more people than “indie/experimental”, but Circa Survive is still very experimental and indie. They aren’t exactly picking Nickelback’s ass, at any rate.
I’m not saying you’re not entitled to dislike it or the direction they’re going in. But respect for what they’ve done, however, I give all day long. Overall, anyone that knows anything about music would listen to this album and say “It sounds like they made an album just for themselves”, which, as someone that’s been in many bands, that’s when it feels most fulfilling. So, if nothing else, be happy for em and I promise there will be another album for ya to listen to – and maybe you’ll like it.
(by the way, my other favorite bands are hopesfall and the blood brothers – i’m quite used to changing musical styles. haha.)
In regards to John’s comment:
I can go on forever what is wrong with your statements, but I’ll keep it short. All I have to say is you simply do not understand Circa Survive. Pity.
As for the review:
I thought that it was neat to see someone give a brief album overview, as well as concise summaries per song. I think your take on “Dyed in the Wool” was unexpected and really unique haha However, sometimes I found yourself trying to keep safe or harmless, and in turn, made you sound less professional. The best way I found this described was in a blog by Roger Ebert. He quoted another critic. It went like . . .
Quote: A man goes to the movies. A critic must be honest enough to admit he is that man.
Roger’s input: That doesn’t make one person right and another wrong. All it means is that they know how they really felt, not how they thought they should feel.
This is implying movies in general, but I feel it can be applied to any medium.
Even still, I don’t think it harms the credibility of the review because you have stated clear and strong valid points throughout the review and comments.
I was glad to see someone else give a nod to “The Frozen Creek”. I normally gravitate more tangible, or up-beat songs as my favourite. For instance, “Get Out” would of been a definite candidate, and it is no surprise that “Glass Arrows” was my first favourite (only at first). But something about “The Frozen Creek” struck me. Not sure how or why.
You go on about the complexities of their style, and how some songs stay safe from their progressive tendencies. I am assuming that you might know a thing or two about the genre, so I thought you were the best, if any, to ask a question. The very first time I heard “Strange Terrain” I immediately thought it was in 6/8, but at the end of the measure it almost certainly felt 12/8. So on the second measure, when I got to beat 9, it felt a little different, like it wasn’t 12/8. By the third measure, I concluded it was either 12/8, or my hypothesized 1 measure of 9/8 plus one measure of 3/4, because I feel a detach pulse and reconfiguring of stressed beats at and after the 9 (the drums being the less vague) until the song reaches a bridge (I think?). The part when Green sings “Who’s the one pounding the gears” is when the band completely decide to dominate in 12/8, and continue with it through the chorus. It seems that it’s the verses that give me the uncertain feeling (even the the verse with screaming after the chorus). What is your thoughts on this?
Hope this wasn’t too much haha
Best wishes,
Alexis
Upon further inspection, I noticed that I mistaken Sunny as the reviewer. How embarrassing because I thought that those were the reviewer’s comments, and he was the one I was intended the question to go to. Oh, well, either way, just disregard what I said about “valid points in comments” and the whole time signature question. Everything else still stands
haha I really should start slow down and read everything before I post
Well hello there, Alexis! I’m a huge and very long time Circa Survive fan. I’m the only one who moderates the comments, so that’s why I am the only one who usually replies.
As for your last paragraph about timing, I am completely lost, but I will gladly pass this on to Alessandro because he’s actually a musician and can probably understand! Haha.
I’ve gotta say my favourite songs on the album are “Dyed In The Wool,” “Spirit of the Stairwell,” and “I Felt Free,” although this album really took a while to grow on me. But I’ve been listening to Circa since I was 13 and I am almost 20 now, and I can’t believe I ever liked 90% of what I did when I was 13, so I can see why the would have changed their style a bit.
Alessandro has a much more well rounded musical taste and tons more technical knowledge than me so anything you thought you agreed with me on you probably will agree with him more.
Thanks for reading and thanks for your feedback!
For the record, comments by the reviewer are always highlighted.
I completely forgot about my comment haha
I was hanging about just now and decided to listen to Blue Sky Noise. When I was listening to Strange Terrain, I asked myself “Why do I feel like I’m forgetting something . . . ?”
Thank you for taking the time to reply! I feel the same way about my musical tastes when I was younger. Hearing you’re such a passionate fan about Circa, I’m surprised it didn’t grow on you so fast. When “On Letting Go” came out, I thought it would grow on me just as fast as “Juturna”, but it didn’t. I was afraid BSN wouldn’t either, but that album stuck to me like glue. What’s funny is that I wasn’t in a experimental music vibe at all during this period. I was in my own little Beatlemania. Beatles to Circa doesn’t sound like it would work, but it did haha
Since your knowledge of music isn’t advance, I’ll help out wording the question so it will be easier when you pass it to Alessandro. Just ask him if Strange Terrain is in 12/8 time, or a pattern of 9/8 to 3/4. If you already passed it to him, well then, disregard this haha
Cheers