Circa Survive - The Appendage EP

The boys of Circa Survive work fast. Their last album, Blue Sky Noise, was released in April and only 7 months later they put out the Appendage EP. The EP is a short 5 songs long which include 4 new tunes and full band remake of Everyway (the song was originally released on the deluxe edition of Blue Sky Noise as an acoustic bonus track). Overall, this release feels a little lighter for the band. The songs feel a bit less organized than on other albums, they seem to float by and don't have much direction. One of the highlights is the explosive ending of Lazarus. Though I don't like it as much as the band's previous record, it still is a great EP and adds to Circa's already impressive discography.

Genre: Melodic Post-Hardcore
For Fans Of: Tides Of Man, Coheed And Cambria, In:Aviate
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Sleep Underground (Demo)
2. Stare Like You'll Stay
3. Everyway
4. Backmask
5. Lazarus


- A

Underoath - In Division Video

The new Underoath music video for In Division off their soon to be released album O (disambiguation). Also, the entire album is available to stream on Underoath's myspace, so go give it a spin.

-T

Chiodos - Illuminaudio [2010]

Imagine the Transformers without Optimus Prime. Or pizza without cheese. Neither would be any good. I expected the same thing to happen to Chiodos when lead singer Craig Owens left. I am a huge fan of all of his musical ventures, and especially of his work with Chiodos. With his departure, and the other lineup changes the band went through, I had fairly low hopes for any of Chiodos future releases. But since I enjoy Chiodos' other albums so much, I decided to give Illuminaudio a spin when it came out, and was pleasantly surprised with what I heard.

With Craig left a lot of the band's unique sound provided by his irreplaceable voice. The new vocalist, Brandon Bolmer, does very well most of the time. He makes the smart move of not trying to copy Craig's style too closely, and instead, makes the music his own. His voice still soars through the high notes, but in his own style, and he puts much more emphasis on the screams. This has both positive and negative repercussions, because while it distinguishes his vocal work from the old style, it also makes the music sound a little more generic. Some of the instrumentation suffers from the same problem, and at times the lyrical content on the album just sounds lazy (e.g. Those Who Slay Together.) The added number of breakdowns and bass-drops give parts of the album an already-been-done-by-other-post-hardcore-groups feel.

Luckily, that feeling constitutes a minor portion of the album. More often while listening to Illuminaudio, I am impressed with the band and satisfied with the music. There are songs that show Chiodos experimenting with their sound, like Notes In Constellations which shows a more melodic, mature side of the band. There are also many moments on Illuminaudio when the signature Chiodos sound of their earlier albums comes through. They are still able to adeptly include gorgeous keyboard parts into their songs better than almost any other band in the genre. One of the qualities that originally made me a Chiodos fan is the intensity of some moments in their music, and they still deliver plenty of those, such as the first moments of frantic screaming on Scaremonger and about halfway through Modern Wolf Hair. The guitar parts fly across the fretboard on Hey Zeus! and Stratovolcano Mouth, two of the most irresistible tracks, even though the latter sounds a lot like an alternate version of Thermacare.

If you listen to this album expecting the old Chiodos, you may be disappointed, but if you go in with the same open-minded attitude with which you would listen to a completely new band, Illuminaudio delivers. It has a somewhat different sound, but is still easily enjoyable. This album holds onto parts of the band's old style, and still leaves room for improvement, but also represents an immensely important moment in Chiodos' musical career. At a pivotal moment when they could have called it quits, they decided to continue making music. Illuminaudio is the rebirth of Chiodos.

Genre: Post-Hardcore

For Fans Of: Peirce The Veil, Emarosa, The Receiving End Of Sirens

Contact: Myspace

Tracklisting:

1. Illuminaudio

2. Caves

3. Love Is A Cat From Hell

4. Modern Wolf Hair

5. Notes In Constellations

6. Scaremonger

7. His Story Repeats Itself

8. Let Us Burn One

9. Hey Zeus! The Dungeon

10. Stratovolcano Mouth

11. Those Who Slay Together, Stay Together

12. Closed Eyes Still Look Forward

-T

Circa Survive - MySpace Transmissions [2010]

Circa Survive recently put up their MySpace Transmissions, which consists of alternate versions of some of the songs off their latest album Blue Sky Noise, and a brilliant cover of Nirvana's Scentless Apprentice. You can download the EP for free, watch videos of performances of all the songs, and videos of interviews with the band about influences on the album, thoughts about their songs, and more. Although you don't necessarily get much "new material" on the EP, this is incredible stuff for anyone who loves Circa as much as I do, and is without a doubt worth checking out (it's one of the best bands out there giving you some awesome music!) Circa's live performances are, as always, entertaining to watch; their talent as musicians is evident and their improvisations on some of the songs are fun to hear.

Genre: Melodic Post-Hardcore, Progressive

For Fans Of: Saosin, In:Aviate, Tides Of Man

Contact: Website

Tracklisting:

1. Glass Arrows

2. Get Out

3. I Felt Free

4. Imaginary Enemy

5. Through The Desert Alone

6. Scentless Apprentice (Nirvana Cover)

-T

New Underoath Song!

Illuminator, the first single from Underoath's upcoming album, O (disambiguation) is here. Go stream it on their website and check it out. It has a similar feel to Lost In The Sound Of Separation, but is definitely fresh and quality. It actually reminds me a lot of Norma Jean's new album. So basically you need to listen to it now.

-T

Tides of Man - Dreamhouse [2010]

Tides of Man has been on my radar for a while now, but I was never really able to get into the band before now. Sure, Empire Theory was good, but it just didn't catch me like I was hoping. So last night as I was talking to Jack Appleby (editor/writer of Mind Equals Blown) he suggested I check out Tide's new record and I was blown away. The band has taken their sound to the next level and has moved to a more progressive sound, which I love. The guitars are technical and the vocals are excellent (they accent the music much better than I expected). Really this album is a great expansion on what ToM have already created and is now a contender for album of the year.

Genre: Melodic Post-Hardcore
For Fans Of: Closure In Moscow, Circa Survive
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Not My Love 2
2. Statues
3. Home
4. Sunshine
5. Dreamhouse
6. Salamanders and Worms
7. Chemical Fires
8. Echoes
9. A Faint Illusion
10. Only Human



- A

Motions & Miles - Grace EP [2010]

While In:Aviate is on hiatus, some of the members formed the new group Motions & Miles. They recently released the short Grace EP, and even though it is only four songs, it is some of the best music I've heard this year, and I'm very stoked to hear more from this band. They sound a bit like a stripped down version of In:Aviate, with a less complex sound, but just as much power in their music.

The EP kicks things off with the title track, Grace, which isn't as intricate as any of In:Aviate's work, and instead has a straight-forward rock feel similar to The Almost. Grace builds up from a simple beginning into a fun jam perfect for playing loudly in the car with the windows down. Up next is Solipsism, my favorite track on Grace. It sounds quite a lot like In:Aviate, and it has a killer bassline driving it which contrasts nicely with the ambient guitar work. Every Day Between The Facts And Faith brings a nice mixture of the sounds of the first two songs, with some technical sounding elements, great vocal work and a sing-along chorus. The final track, Safe In Sound, has one of the coolest moments on the EP about halfway through the song with the bass and maracas jam (you'll see what I mean when you listen to it.)

The lyrics on this EP show that the band members still have plenty of talent in that area, with lines like "Keep yourself honest, but never too obvious. The only victim is the truth, and sometimes fabrications are win-win situations," and "At night you sit and talk to God, did he ever respond?... I really hope He'd understand or know the struggles of a man." The themes are deep questions about life and dealing with personal struggles, and the lyrics always sound sincere and intelligent. Ryan's eloquent vocals are full of emotion and energy and soar wonderfully over the music, which provides the perfect melodic backdrop.

Genre: Post-Hardcore, Indie Rock

For Fans Of: In:Aviate, The Almost, Closure In Moscow

Contact: Myspace

Tracklisting:

1. Grace

2. Solipsism

3. Every Day Between The Facts And Faith

4. Safe In Sound

-T

Circa Survive - On Letting Go [2007] and On Letting Go B-Sides

Circa Survive's second album is a solid progression from their first. The guitar work is harder and more expansive, Anthony Green's vocals are more impressive and flow with the music, and the sound has just been stepped up. That being said, I'm still not sure whether I like it more than Juturna since both have such well written songs so the title of "Best Circa Survive Record" is still up for grabs. But one thing's for sure, the album has more "hard" songs that Juturna did. It's less "airy" (for lack of a better word) but that doesn't make it any less good. Just give it a listen and let me know which one you think is best (maybe you even like Blue Sky Noise the most, I wanna know!).

Also, I've included the 2 b-sides that were released after the album was put out. I included them in the main download and also put them as a separate download for those who just want those.

Genre: Melodic Post-Hardcore
For Fans Of: Coheed and Cambria, The Dear Hunter, Closure In Moscow
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Living Together
2. In The Morning And Amazing
3. The Greatest Lie
4. The Difference Between Poison And Medicine Is In The Dose
5. Mandala
6. Travel Hymn
7. Semi-Constructive Criticism
8. Kicking Your Crosses Down
9. On Letting Go
10. Carry Us Away
11. Close Your Eyes To See
12. Your Friends Are Gone

B-Sides:
13. 1,000 Witnesses
14. The Most Dangerous Commercials


- A

In:Aviate - Speak EP [2007]

This is the first release from St. George, Utah's In:Aviate, and while the sound isn't as refined as their full length album 1985, this is still an incredible EP. All the songs are so powerful, both from the raw energy of the music, and from the intelligent lyrics that really make you think after hearing them. The themes are similar to those on 1985, with deep, meaningful lyrics about religious and life questions (which is apparent from song titles like The Saints We Portray). Every song on the EP has superb lyrics, but some of my favorite lines come from Conversations With The Scenery: "What's the difference between gossip and gospel and what does it mean to believe? And if you do will all of your sins come back to haunt you? It's time to stop preaching and start practicing... Everyone know you're living a lie, But there's a little truth in every lie now isn't there?" In:Aviate makes good use of catchy choruses, intricate drumming and the mixture of ambient and jamming guitar work, which when combined with the wonderful lyrics make Speak a brilliant EP.

Genre: Melodic Post-Hardcore
For Fans Of: Circa Survive, Closure In Moscow, Harvard
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Volupsa
2. A More Agreeable Form Of Escapism
3. The Saints We Portray
4. The Quickening
5. Conversations With The Scenery
6. Speak American Standard

PS. While In:Aviate is on hiatus, some of the band members formed Motions and Miles. Check out their Myspace to hear some new tunes.


-T

The Thirty Years War - Martyrs Among The Casualties [2002]

Back before Thomas Erak, Tim Ward, and Andrew Forsman were in The Fall of Troy they were in a band called the Thirty Years Wars. The line-up isn't much different from TFOT's, just with the addition of rhythm guitarist Mike Munro. I think the most impressive part of this EP (and band in general) is that it was recorded when they were 16 and 17. That's just ridiculous. I'm 19 with 6 years of experience and I can barely play, Thomas is 17 with 2 years of experience and he absolutely rips. But anyways, the sound quality is less than stellar but that's to be expected from something like this, a home-made EP with a bunch of kids just trying to get it done. I actually really like the gritty, raw sound and the simplistic manipulations to it (i.e. only a few distortion pedals). The music isn't unlike The Fall of Troy's, even one song (Reassurance Rests In The Sea) made it to the band's self titled release. The guitars are still technical (not on Ghostship Part 4's caliber) and Thom's vocals are raw and unique. I know a lot of people won't really like his singing but I love it and it perfectly accents this awesome EP.

Genre: Post-Hardcore
For Fans Of: The Fall of Troy, At The Drive-In, Blakfish
Contact: Website (full of lols)
Tracklisting:
1. A Tribute To Orville Wilcox
2. Chain Wallet, Nike Shoes
3. The Tears Of Green Eyed Angels
4. Mirrors Are More Fun Than Television
5. Reassurance Rests In The Sea
6. The Day The Strength Of Men Failed
7. Knife Fight At The Mormon Church



P.S. Does anyone have any other pre-TFOT stuff? I'm trying to find the 30 Years War demos (has Chrysanthemum on it), any Tribune music, and any of The Hills Have Eyes because Thom did vocals on that. If you do, email me at PunchPunchStabKill@gmail.com or AlekW2113@gmail.com. Thank you tons :)

- A

In:Aviate - 1985 [2008]

Hailing from Saint George, Utah, In:Aviate is a nice tidbit of melodic post hardcore that I love. The album starts off with the instrumental and anthemic In the End before rocketing into Redefining Automation which has a hard hitting intro/chorus and a light, melodic verse. This song, and the album of a whole have a lot of lyrical content that deals with religion, or more correctly, anit-religion. I personally think it's directed at the Mormon church since they're from Utah, but it can be taken any way. The rest of the album mixes it up a lot music wise, keeping it mellow at some points and screaming at others. Admittedly there's not very much screaming, only a few songs but it's REALLY well done at those parts, makes you with there was more. A solid first record and though these boys are on hiatus I'm excited to see where they go next.

Genre: Melodic Post-Harcore
For Fans Of: Circa Survive, Closure In Moscow
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. In the End
2. Redefining Automation
3. Question Everything
4. Through the Light Darkly
5. Transcendental Weather
6. Ascension
7. Eulalia
8. Awake
9. We All Seek the Truth
10. Kissing Tigers
11. And the World Will Know
12. In the Beginning



- A

Circa Survive - The Inuit Sessions [2005]

The first official release by Circa is this little gem, The Inuit Sessions. The EP contains "Act Appalled" and "The Great Golden Baby" which both appeared later on Juturna, the band's first LP. Though you really will only get 2 new tracks (assuming you already have Juturna), those are both quite good and sound just like classic Circa Survive. The songs feel like b-sides and actually flow into the album really well (such as the feedback from Oh, Hello is the same as the feedback that starts Suspending Disbelief).

Genre: Melodic Post-Hardcore
For Fans Of: Anthony Green, Coheed and Cambria, As Tall As Lions
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Act Appalled
2. The Great Golden Baby
3. Suspending Disbelief
4. Handshakes at Sunrise (Demo)



- A

The Bronx - The Bronx [2003]

I've known about these guys for about 8 months now but only just recently (today) got their album because I'm dumb as a rock. The group is hardcore, and I mean a awesome hardcore that makes you want to dance as much as it makes you want to mosh. I just finished listening to the album and I already know I need to share it, so just get it and hate yourself for not listening since 2003.

Genre: Hardcore Punk
For Fans Of: Every Time I Die, Cancer Bats, Mariachi El Bronx
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Heart Attack American
2. False Alarm
3. White Tar
4. Cobra Lucha
5. They Will Kill Us All (Without Mercy)
6. I Got Chills
7. Guns Without Bullets
8. Notice of Eviction
9. Kill My Friends
10. Strobe Life



- A

Underoath - Define The Great Line [2006]

Blasting out of Tampa, Florida comes the melodious sounds of my favorite christian metal band, Underoath. It's about time we get some Underoath up on this blog, so here goes. This is Define The Great Line, their fifth record. Underoath has been around since 1997, but now that drummer and vocalist Aaron Gillespie has left to work with his other band The Almost, none of the original members remain in the band.

This album has a very powerful and energetic sound, from the kickin intro of In Regards To Myself, and that energy continues throughout the album. One thing that sets Underoath apart from other metal/post-hardcore bands is how perfectly they blend Chamberlain's screams and the chugging guitar parts with Gillespie's beautiful singing and the more peaceful moments. I realize that this style of music is now commonplace, but Underoath is one of the pioneers of this genre and they clearly stand head and shoulders above every other similar band. One listen to this album makes it obvious that they really are quality music rather than just another talentless group jumping on the post-hardcore bandwagon. Their lyrics and vocals, which are possibly my favorite part of Underoath, are truly an unequaled blending of screaming defiance with introspective soul searching.

While they are a christian band, don't let that prevent you from listening to this band. After all, they aren't singing hymns here. As vocalist Spencer Chamberlain says in an interview with Europunk, "It’s not like every song is a lesson from the Bible or something." Their music and lyrics are more about real life experiences and struggles and overcoming them.

The instrumentals on this album are all top-notch with amazing break downs, guitar work, and really standout drumming by Gillespie. There are some some of my favorite moments to rock out to on In Regards To Myself, Moving For The Sake Of Motion, and Writing On The Walls. This is definitely one of my top albums, and one that everyone should give a listen. I can't wait to see what their new album sounds like later this year.

Genre: Metal, Post-Hardcore, Christian,
For Fans Of: The Almost, Saosin, Norma Jean
Contact: Website
Tracklisting:
1. In Regards to Myself
2. A Moment Suspended in Time
3. There Could Be Nothing After This
4. You're Ever So Inviting
5. Sālmarnir
6. Returning Empty Handed
7. Casting Such a Thin Shadow
8. Moving for the Sake of Motion
9. Writing on the Walls
10. Everyone Looks So Good from Here
11. To Whom It May Concern


-T

At The Drive-In - Relationship Of Command [2000]

Before The Mars Volta and Sparta, members from each made up At The Drive-In, a post-hardcore quintet from El Paso, Texas. Relationship of Command is the group's last album, released in 2000 at the top of their popularity it defines the late 90's hardcore and makes for a perfect transition to post-ATDI efforts. There's progression in the sound which moved into The Mars Volta's music and traditional hardcore which went to Sparta. Lead vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala's lyrics are cryptic and intricate, sometimes taken to be political but usually just weird (and he didn't change much when he went to TMV). This record has been called one of the most important of the 21st century, and I couldn't agree more.

Genre: Post-Hardcore
For Fans Of: Coheed and Cambria (SSTB-era), The Juliana Theory, The Mars Volta
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Arcarsenal
2. Pattern Against User
3. One Armed Scissor
4. Sleepwalk Capsules
5. Invalid Litter Dept.
6. Mannequin Republic
7. Enfilade
8. Rolodex Propaganda
9. Quarantined
10. Cosmonaut
11. Non Zero Possibility



- A

The Sound of Animals Fighting - The Ocean and The Sun [2008]

The Sound of Animals Fighting is, for all of those living under a rock for the past 6 or so years, a super-group made up of some of the biggest names in the post-hardcore (and ska?) scene. Formed by Rich Balling of ex-RX Bandits fame, the group really never actually got together but was emailed their part which they then recorded and sent back to Rich, who put it all together. From what I understand, all of the music is actually written by Rich himself (it's difficult to write a song when you only know what you're supposed to play) so it's technically a Balling project with a lot of guests. But super group is a much cooler thing to call it. The band features Anthony Green, Craig Owens, Rich Balling, and members of many other bands including Finch, The RX Bandits, and Good Old War. The Ocean and The Sun is the band's third release and it hits that sweet spot between the 2 previous efforts. It has hard parts, it has weird parts, but overall it's a really solid record. Really chill music a lot of the time (title track, I, The Swan) and also really upbeat at other times (The Heraldic Beak of the Manufacturer's Medallion, Uzbekistan). Just a good all around mix feature some of my favorite artists of this day.

Genre: Post-Hardcore
For Fans Of: RX Bandits, The Mars Volta, Circa Survive
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Intro
2. The Ocean and The Sun
3. I, The Swan
4. Another Leather Lung
5. Lude
6. Cellophane
7. The Heraldic Beak of the Manufacturer's Medallion
8. Chinese New Year
9. Uzbekistan
10. Blessing Be Yours Mister V
11. Ahab
12. On The Occasion of Wet Snow


- A

Circa Survive - Blue Sky Noise [2010] [MEB]

Following their 2007 sophomore attempt entitled "On Letting Go", Circa Survive went back to the studio last year and recording their next full-length record, "Blue Sky Noise". The Anthony Green-led quintet features the ex-Saosin frontman's soaring vocals and guitarists Colin Frangicetto and Brendan Ekstrom's airy and elaborate fret work riding on top of Nick Beard (bassist) and Steve Clifford's (drummer) accentual rhythm playing. Circa Survive knows their sound well and can pull it off with finesse, but unfortunately, it seems that this sound is the only one they can convey. Fortunately for the band, the music that they produce is top-notch.

The main attraction for Circa Survive is, as it is for most bands, the lead singer, and in this case Anthony Green. His high-pitched voice is unique and discernible from the over-saturated crowd of other high-pitched singers that are oh-so-available in this musical generation. His talent shines through with melodic singing and powerful screams (rare, but still there, though admittedly they are much more prevalent on his Saosin and The Sound of Animals Fighting recordings) which are both able to bend heart strings to his will.

Of course, what is a vocalist without an song to sing over? He is but a car without a road to drive on, a stream without a hill to run down? It's beauty with no direction. But thankfully this car has a highway, this stream a mountain, this vocalist a masterpiece. The guitar work of both Frangicetto and Ekstrom has become more intricate on this album, both in the individual sense and when viewed (or heard) as a whole. The lines weaving in and out between each other, sometimes one playing chords while the other leads, sometimes neither follow and both work together to create the atmospheric and ethereal sound that Circa is known for.

Blue Sky Noise takes both of these elements and perfects them, making the Circa Survive sound set in stone, the only problem is that this is their only sound. Sure, there is some variation, there's the upbeat and happy songs such as "Get Out" and "Imaginary Enemy" as well as the more airy, slowed down tunes like "Spirit of the Stairwell" and "Dyed in the Wool" but generally speaking, most songs sound similar and samey. This would be fine for a single album, but it spans all 3 full lengths and gets somewhat tiresome. As an avid Circa Survive fan it's difficult to be upset about having more of what I love, but I believe that bands need to progress and grow and Circa feels like a record on repeat.

Retracing the footsteps of previous releases, Circa Survive have created a pleasurable listening experience that exacts the formula that has been getting them praise since 2004. The vocals roar high and delve deep into the soul, the guitars relax and excite you all at once, the mood is laid back and fun, it is Circa Survive just as you've always known them. Hopefully the next release will vary more from the set standard, but if not it will still be a solid record.

Genre: Ethereal Post-Hardcore
For Fans Of: Coheed and Cambria, Anthony Green, High and Driving
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Strange Terrain
2. Get Out
3. Glass Arrows
4. I Felt Fine
5. Imaginary Enemy
6. Through The Desert Alone
7. Frozen Creek
8. Fever Dreams
9. Spirit Of The Stairwell
10. The Longest Mile
11. Compendium
12. Dyed In The Wool



-A

Chiodos - All's Well That Ends Well (Deluxe Edition) [2005]

Post-hardcore at its finest, Chiodos really knows how to hit their mark and this album can attest to that. With Craig Owens' impressive vocal range and Bradley Bell's creepy keyboard lines, Chiodos' breakout record was one of the reasons that 2005 was such a great year in music. This record is great and if you haven't already listened to it I suggest you do, like now. By the way, this is the deluxe edition with extra tracks, so lucky you.

Genre: Post-Hardcore
For Fans Of: Craig Owens, Cinematic Sunrise, The Sound of Animals Fighting
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Prelude
2. All Nereids Beware
3. One Day Women Will All Become Monsters
4. Expired in Goreville
5. Baby, You Wouldn't Last A Minute On The Creek
6. The Words 'Best Friends" Becomes Redefined
7. Interlude Pt. 1
8. There's No Penguins In Alaska
9. Interlude Pt. 2
10. We're Gonna Have Us A Champagne Jam
11. No Hardcore Dancing In The Living Room
12. Who's Sandy Jenkins?
13. Dear Trixie and Reptile, Thanks For Everything
14. Baby, You Wouldn’t Last a Minute on the Creek (Acoustic)
15. Queen of Diamonds (Live Acoustic Demo)
16. Lindsay Quit Lollygagging (Acoustic)


-A

Bear Vs. Shark - Terorhawk [2005]

With a great sound and one of the best band names ever, Bear Vs. Shark's sophomore effort, Terrorhawk was released in 2005 and blew people away. Their sound combined post-hardcore, punk, and yelling to create a unique genre in which they captured completely. Though Terrorhawk doesn't differ too much from their debut Right Now, You're In The Best of Hands (I'm not writing out the whole thing), it doesn't need to. They found their niche and they pull it off amazingly, it's better for something to be done well twice than for it to be done poorly several times. However, they did mix Terorhawk up a bit, adding songs like "Baraga Embankment", "What A Horrible night For A Curse", and "I Fucked Your Dad" which are slowed down and singer Marc Paffi generally sings rather than yells. Other songs, such as "Catamaran", "Entrance of the Elected", and "Antwan" show exactly what BvS is all about. Rocking out and having a good time. Unfortunately, I was never able to see them live, though I've heard it was one of the best live shows when they were together.

Genre: Post-Hardcore, Punk
For Fans Of: At The Drive In, La Dispute, Glassjaw
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Catamaran
2. 5, 6 Kids
3. Six Bar Phrase Hey Hey
4. The Great Dinosaurs With Fifties Section
5. Baraga Embankment
6. Entrance of the Elected
7. Seven Stop Hold Restart
8. What a Horrible Night for a Curse
9. Out Loud Hey Hey
10. India Foot
11. Antwan
12. I Fucked Your Dad
13. Heard Iron Bug, "They're Coming to Town"
14. Song About Old Roller Coaster
15. Rich People Say Fuck Yeah Hey Hey



-A

Circa Survive - Juturna [2005]

After kicking the Saosin habit in 2004, Anthony Green returned to Pennsylvania and began working with his friend Colin Frangicetto to form Circa Survive. Juturna is Circa's first full length disc (released little over a month after the Inuit Sessions) and it sets a standard for the rest of their music. Post-hardcore rhythms and airy guitars are the basis for the sound, but Green's distinctly high-pitched and melodic vocals is what gives the group it's impressive feel. The lyrical content pulls from a few different influences, but mainly the novel House of Leave and the films Boondock Saints and Sunshine For The Spotless Mind (<-good show). The album kicks off in high gear with Act Appalled but slows down near the middle as shown in songs such as In Fear And Faith and We're All Thieves before hitting another high point at Oh, Hello before ending with the acoustic Meet Me In Montauk and "secret" track House of Leaves. Ambient and exciting, this record is one of the reasons 2005 was a great year in music.

Genre: Melodic Post-Hardcore, Progressive, Experimental
For Fans Of: Coheed and Cambria, Portugal. The Man, Anthony Green
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Holding Someone's Hair Back
2. Act Appalled
3. Wish Resign
4. The Glorious Nosebleed
5. In Fear and Faith
6. The Great Golden Baby
7. Stop the Fuckin' Car
8. We're All Thieves
9. Oh, Hello
10. Always Getting What You Want
11. Meet Me in Montauk

-T&A