Circa Survive Band • Page 115

it doesn't matter, it will become two dreams on march 4

 

From what I've gathered, the only thing unusual about those two tracks was Colin lyrics. At the very beginning, the band was just Colin and AG... I'm pretty sure he's the main musical force behind lots of their classic early stuff (Handshakes, GGB, etc.).

 

Colin has said regarding the lyrics that Anthony did all of them prior to BSN and that he approached the rest of the band for input on writing lyrics. Colin wrote most of the lyrics and melodies to I Felt Free by himself, but he and Anthony worked on the bridge together. As for Imaginary Enemy, the chorus was largely Colin's idea, but Anthony did his own thing for the verses.

 

Just finished up with all things The Amulet and the two new EPs so I'll write up some of my thoughts.

I think The Amulet rules. I remember it needing to grow on me back when it came out, but it didn't take long to really sink it's teeth in. Much like with Descensus, I think Steve and Nick are a really tight rhythm section again (see: Premonition of the Hex, At Night it Gets Worse). I love that they went into a much more atmospheric direction than they did on Descensus. The Amulet really feels like a really nice blend between OLG and Descensus. I'm glad there are some bangers on here in the form of Never Tell a Soul, Stay, and Rites of Investiture (although I do think the latter is a bit of an oddball on the album despite how tight it is). I think the moments when this album shines are when the band plays things a bit more tight and reserved, allowing the songs to really breathe. They feel really immersive at times and I find myself just floating around much like I do listening to Juturna and OLG.

I have little to complain about when it comes to this album. I do think Dark Pools and Indra's Net would have made stronger inclusions than Rites of Investiture and The Hex. Hell, even if Rites were a b-side and both the aforementioned b-sides made the album an 11-song whole that would have been cool. Regardless, I think The Amulet is among this band's best albums and there are some absolutely wild moments throughout it: the guitar work throughout Never Tell a Soul (but especially the verses), the drum/bass/vocal moments on Premonition and At Night, the outro of Tunnel Vision, the very moment Stay begins and its bridge, some of the guitar effects in the title track. Just a lot of really great stuff all over this album that makes it a rich listening experience.

As for the EPs, A Dream About Love has really grown on me, while A Dream About Death has been much more immediate for me upon first listen. At this point, I love both these EPs and I'm really excited about the new direction they are going in. These EPs are easy to get lost in and I think some of their simplicity at times has a lot to do with that. Their busy layering in different sounds, but I don't think they're necessarily busy trying to play anything too complicated. As a result, I feel like this band is really able to create this new world for their music and their listeners to live in. A lot of what made me fall in love with Circa in the first place is all still here. Still captivating guitar work, creative rhythm section, fantastic vocals, and now some of Anthony's most honest and devastating lyrics to date.

I don't have as much to say about the new EPs because I'm still becoming acquainted with them, but I'm so glad they are going in this direction. I always felt like the band would shake things up enough from album to album to help keep things fresh, but they've always maintained a distinct sound across their discography that I was beginning to wonder if they'd ever go in a different direction. Now, here we are and I couldn't be more excited.

The Amulet favorite songs:
1. Flesh and Bone
2. The Amulet
3. Tunnel Vision
4. At Night, it Gets Worse

A Dream About Love favorite songs:
1. Imposter Syndrome
2. Even Better
3. Drift

A Dream About Death favorite songs:
1. Late Nap
2. Curitiba
3. Buzzhenge

 

Listened it ADAD for the first time today. Y’all weren’t kidding about Buzzhenge. What a beautiful track. Late Nap also really stood out to me.

 

I’m picking up a sandwich for dinner and they’re playing a Circa playlist. Gonna be a good sandwich.

 

Dinkleberg has some killer takes

 

At Night It Gets Worse is easily a top 10 Circa track maybe even top 5

 

All love, thank you

 

Do I dare put together an expansive ranking of my favorite Circa songs? I wonder

I probably shouldn’t, but you better believe I’m gonna be mulling it over in my head lol

 

What about just a top 10? I think I remember "In the Morning..." won the best song bracket that was done.

 

I will see no Suitcase slander itt. that's one of my favourites like ever lol

 

A while back, Amulet-era, someone posted a circa song bias sorter here which was pretty cool. I dont know if that is still kicking about, though it won't have the new EPs unless someone has updated it.

 

Out of interest have you heard the Colin demos of those two songs? Can’t remember if it was on Circa or Colin’s Patreon now.. Both songs were mostly formed, which surprised me a lot.

 

1. Lazarus
2. Your Friends Are Gone
3. Through the Desert Alone
4. We’re All Thieves
5. Flesh and Bone
6. Living Together
7. The Difference Between Medicine and Poison
8. Glass Arrows
9. Schema
10. Imposter Syndrome

They’re on Circa’s patreon and I’ve listened to them each once. I’ve been wanting to listen to them again lately though. I do remember they were, like you said, mostly formed, especially I Felt Free.

 

Still haven't heard Metanoia. Is it still on their patreon? I think I should finally sign up for that.

 

Yeah that's actually the other way round - their theory is that lots of the songs on LPs get lost and most people won't spin them too much, whereas there's no real fillers, so they want to bring some more attention to smaller batches of songs. There were interviews stating they're probably not going to release another LP anytime soon. Which is also probably better in the financial standpoint for them. With 1 one full release they'll be able to sell 3 differently compiled vinyl variants, as well as each premiere bumps them up for streams.

 

Ugh, buzzhenge just gets better and better.

 

Yeah it’s on their Patreon still. Lots of cool stuff on there

 

I think I'm in the minority here, but I prefer the original art for Violent Waves.

 

I think everyone feels that way?

 

I much prefer the original, though the deluxe is really interesting to look at, but no an all-timer as a cover. Also disappointed Spotify doesn't have the standard version, but whatever.

 

Yeah I don't really care for the deluxe art, not ones of Esao's best tbh

 

Still, Esao is really an astonishing artist, Circa are lucky to have him on board for every project. Even his doodles are interesting and often funny.