Dredg/Circa Survive Concert

After every Circa Survive concert that I have been to, I've thought that it was the best concert that I've ever seen, and this time was no exception. They just keep improving their show. They expanded their setlist, added a captivating light show, had glow-stick filled beach balls bouncing over the audience, and as always, displayed their immense musical talent.

Before the actual concert, I was able to attend an acoustic performance with the band where they played "unplugged" versions of Get Out, Imaginary Enemy, I Felt Free, and Every Way. The set had a very personal feeling, with the small stage and crowd, and the band sounded excellent. It was a great beginning for the evening, which just got better from there.

The first opening band at the concert was Animals As Leaders, a band I hadn't heard of before the show, but one that I very much enjoyed. Their lineup of two guitarists and a drummer (who really impressed me with his relentless style) played an intense set of instrumental progressive metal that was quite irresistible live, and I'd definitely recommend checking out. After them Codeseven was up, and, while not as impressive as the first band, they were decent enough.

Dredg was awesome to see live, playing their dynamic style of progressive rock. Their guitarist laid down some catchy hooks while Gavin Hayes' vocals ranged from soothing to shouting, and occasional keyboards added an additional element of complexity. At times mellow, then crescendoing into a heavier rock section, then a dance-ready groove, their set had a lot of variety. This very talented band makes quality music that deserves so much more attention than it gets (so if you haven't heard them listen to them, and I'll review an album of theirs soon,) and they have a new album coming out next year.

At last, it was time for Circa Survive. With a huge banner of the Blue Sky Noise album cover as the backdrop, the band entered the stage, and although I've seen them several times this year, they amazed me yet again. They opened with the first three tracks of their latest album, and from there, played a nice mix of older and newer songs including In Fear And Faith, Mandala, and The Difference Between Medicine and Poison. There were also some unexpected additions, like when Anthony brought out the acoustic guitar for the intimate Spirit Of The Stairwell. The new interludes they played in between some of their songs were fun to hear, and may offer a taste of what The Appendage EP (which is now available for pre-order here and is out November 30) has in store. The music and vocals were perfect, and Anthony provided his entertaining, talkative, and at times hilarious, stage presence I have come to expect. Circa closed with an encore of Compendium and the wistful Dyed In The Wool, which seemed a fitting and satisfying ending for most spectacular concert I've attended.

-T

PS. I still want to see Circa play Fever Dreams live. Hopefully they will next time.