I only listened to Circa Survive on occasion. I liked it, but I never really seemed to connect to their music fully. It was more a way to release my energy, just blast out some cool music on high volume and having a ball. But with “Blue Sky Noise”, be it more commercially angled, Circa Survive releases an album that is not only more accessible but also better balanced than their previous release.
“Blue Sky Noise” is the band’s major label debut (on Atlantic) and it took a couple listens to hear all the subtleties the band managed to work into this album. It’s not as raw as “On Letting Go” from a few years ago, but it’s far more complete than that album.
A more polished and sonic approach makes the songs stronger. At times they are still rough ’round the edges but just enough so that it enhances the body of the song instead of bothering it. A good example of this is Glass Arrows, as well as the powerful Imaginary Enemy.
Circa Survive is one of the few modern-day bands that play real rock, a little harder than the standard with classic build ups and arrangements, yet at the same time making it fit for a current audience. This is the 21st century version of arena rock. There are many bands trying in this niche of the rock scene, but very few can pull it off with success. With songs like Fever Dreams (very intense song), the more progressive (yet brilliant) Frozen Creek and the melodic album closer Dyed In The Wool, Circa Survive shows they are one of the bands who actually can pull it off.
“Blue Sky Noise” is an intriguing album that offers more subtleties than you notice upon first listen. It’s a solid album the first few times you put it on, but after more spins, it will keep on growing on you as these songs are cleverly written and performed very well. I’d be very surprised if this won’t be the band’s breakthrough album. Very, very solid indeed.
“Blue Sky Noise” is the band’s major label debut (on Atlantic) and it took a couple listens to hear all the subtleties the band managed to work into this album. It’s not as raw as “On Letting Go” from a few years ago, but it’s far more complete than that album.
A more polished and sonic approach makes the songs stronger. At times they are still rough ’round the edges but just enough so that it enhances the body of the song instead of bothering it. A good example of this is Glass Arrows, as well as the powerful Imaginary Enemy.
Circa Survive is one of the few modern-day bands that play real rock, a little harder than the standard with classic build ups and arrangements, yet at the same time making it fit for a current audience. This is the 21st century version of arena rock. There are many bands trying in this niche of the rock scene, but very few can pull it off with success. With songs like Fever Dreams (very intense song), the more progressive (yet brilliant) Frozen Creek and the melodic album closer Dyed In The Wool, Circa Survive shows they are one of the bands who actually can pull it off.
“Blue Sky Noise” is an intriguing album that offers more subtleties than you notice upon first listen. It’s a solid album the first few times you put it on, but after more spins, it will keep on growing on you as these songs are cleverly written and performed very well. I’d be very surprised if this won’t be the band’s breakthrough album. Very, very solid indeed.