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Preview Thu Oct 18 2012
Preview: Circa Survive at The Vic, 10/20
For years, it's sounded as though experimental, prog-rock Pennsylvanians Circa Survive have been searching for something. Anxious guitar melodies slice through songs like a machete cutting into a forested unknown. Anthony Green's vocals call to mind feelings of discontent, wonder and uneasiness and the band's rhythms possess the endurance and strength that has carried their career through a eight year journey. So it's no surprise their newest album Violent Waves' cover art features a caricature-sized ship sailing across a cloudy and ominous globe surrounded by the depths of space.
It's still not clear if Circa Survive has found what they're looking for but with the release of Violent Waves it's clear they've reached creative transcendence in the most literal sense. Tired of the music industry rat race, the band cut the chord on record label or producer ties with this new album, recording, producing and releasing the it all on their own (and with a tempting $5 price tag).
Even with a long history of success behind them, a bit of their frustration with the industry and life itself comes off on Violent Waves. Sounds crash down with more intensity that on albums past and singer Anthony Green has traded a mellow yet driven tone for one with more sarcasm and bitterness. While this might not be the group's most solid effort to date, this records sees the five piece trying more new things than ever. Jaunty tunes with an acoustic core like "Phantasmagoria" proceed slightly jazzy electric tracks as found on "Think of Me When They Sound."
What Circa Surive might be best known for is their ability to bring their complex songs to life, doing them justice in a live setting. They'll be doing just that this Saturday, Oct. 20, at The Vic Theater. Tickets to this show are sold out but those who managed to pick one up in time are in for a true treat. The show begins at 7 p.m.
