Circa Survive "On Letting Go"

Man, the amount of hype and praise surrounding Circa Survive makes me feel like there's something wrong with my hearing, because I simply don't get into this band the way seemingly everyone else does. Yes, Anthony Green has a great, unique vocal presence. Yes, the guitars are lush and boast lots of texture and creative interaction. Yes, the band pulls it all together to write elegant songs. But the sheer buzz still makes me feel like it should impress and move me even more.

Ah, well. That's hype for ya'.

On Letting Go is pretty similar to Circa Survive's 2005 debut, Juturna, and it's similarly good -- make no mistake. These five guys absolutely know how to write moody, melodic and atmospheric rock. Of course, Green's sometimes wispy, sometimes soaring singing -- a natural match for his guitar-driven musical backdrop -- is a focal point, but the less obvious details shine just as much. There are so many intricate picking flourishes and well matched, ethereal layers that it's almost mind-boggling to even think about creating and combining so much material. Luckily, the bold melodies and more aggressive and straightforward outbursts help rein in the noodling and help the songs stick.

This is good stuff. The production and the art are great. Really, I like it. But I'd really like to know that someone else feels like Circa Survive gets built up a little too much. Tell me I'm not the only one.

Do your research, first. Here's a track from On Letting Go: Circa Survive - Living Together

You can snag a copy here or straight from Equal Vision Records.