Circa Survive Releases New Album: Blue Sky Noise

Circa Survive is an experimental/melodic psychedlic fusion band from Doylstown, Pennsylvania consisting of members, Steven Clifford, Nicholas Beard, Colin Frangicetto, Brendan Ekstrom and well known frontman involved projects that include Saosin and The Sound of Animals Fighting, Anthony Green. These five talented individuals have released yet another album which delivers just as much authenticity and subtle power as their previous records. Blue Sky Noise was released on April 20, 2010 and has been increasing in popularity ever since its debut. Upon writing, the band decided to get together and hole up in a small cabin located in Doylestown, the band's original hometown in order to create their new album. They titled the cabin, "The Creek House" as they sat every day staring blissfully out of a large, vacant window that captured the essence of the world around them. Unfortunately, Green struggled to perpetuate any emotionally driven, substantial thoughts and was admitted into a mental institution after claiming that he had gone "mentally bankrupt."

After the treatment Green underwent, his perspective on life as well as the prospects of the future album were positive. The band did not allow for a structured formula, rather, they were compelled by their own minds to create the songs on this album. They did not let the actual songwriting prohibit them from freely writing their thoughts on paper and translating them into emotions to be felt.

The tracks on this album are incredible, in my opinion. They rival many that are on Juturna and make for close competition with On Letting Go. This is some of Circa Survive's finest work and they have really indulged in their own element with this album. From Green's haunting voice on "Get Out" to the spiritually driven tone of "I Felt Free" all the way to the despairing closer, "Dyed In The Wool", Circa has thoroughly impressed me. I'd have to say my personal favourite has got to be "Through the Desert Alone." It has such a soothing riff, with sincere vocals and piercing instrumentals. I would probably recommend "Frozen Creek" or "Imaginary Enemy" as well, seeing as those seem to be the more popular off the album. However, the underrated track on Blue Sky Noise is definitely "Glass Arrows." Though many appreciate the lyrics that Green belts out, I feel that many are neglecting the guitar work of Frangicetto on this one in particular. Clifford on percussion also delivers tremendously with his distant, reminiscent groove.

I like the fact that Green collaborated with Frangicetto on vocals for "I Felt Free" and "Imaginary Enemy". Ekstrom and Green also worked together to create a wholesome harmonic sound on "Get Out" as they weigh in on their opinions of what the album feels like to them. Anthony Green says, "I feel like it says a million things. It's all in the album...every album is a chapter and a step toward the truth...I want this record to be out in the world...I love it so much and I just want it to be alive.." Though vastly dissimilar from their previous albums, I feel that Blue Sky Noise is just another representation of Circa Survive in a whole new light. They have come through with a phenomenal album that will have listeners at the grips of its fingertips.

Rating: 5/5