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More often than not, bands formed by people who’ve left another group on the verge of success are never good news. I mean, good for them if they want to indulge in their desire to make spoken word post-dubstep-zydeco-punk but after they realize that no-one else is aching to hear their “uncompromising genius” the best possible scenario is that there old band will take them back. Circa Survive are what occurs when that doesn’t happen. When people actually like the music that a guy makes when he leaves his up and coming rock band, and the results are pretty amazing in and of themselves.
The man in question is lead singer Anthony Green, who used to front Newport, California screamo band Saosin. By February 2004, the band had managed to build a cult following so large that they were on the cusp of signing a major label record deal. However, while he was flying from his home state of Pennsylvania to Saosin’s base of California, he realized that signing to a major label wasn’t what he wanted to do in that band. Not to mention that he was sick of flying across the country and leaving his family behind every time he needed to work with the band. For his own safety and security, he left Saosin, and immediately began recording with guitarist Colin Frangicetto, who he’d been jamming with during his time away from Saosin.
With the help of Albany, New York based indie label Equal Vision Records, Frangicetto and Green put together a full line up for their new project, consisting of them alongside Brendan Ekstrom on lead guitar, Nick Beard on the Bass and Steve Clifford on the drums. By March 2005 their first E.P “The Inuit Sessions” was released, but their debut album was released a couple of months afterwards, and “Juturna” is one of the more unlikely things to ever chart on the Billboard 200. A slow burning, jazz inflected record informed by King Crimson, shoegaze and jazz, it was what few people were expecting from Green’s new project but it was succesful enough to warrant a second record.
This second record came in May 2007, and at that point, the band had enough of a following to sell over fifty thousand copies of the record in two months. Since then, the band have been one of the true trailblazers of the post-hardcore scene, massively influential on the likes of Touché Amoré and La Dispute through their sheer unwillingness to compromise and their need to make the kind of music that comes naturally to them. We need as many bands like them as possible around, and hopefully many more will be influenced by them in the near future. Highly recommended.
Live reviews
Oh. My. God.
Circa Survive is one of those names I've heard for years, but I never really acquainted myself with their music. After seeing them kick ass live, they definitely made a fan out of me!
As a long-time fan of emo/melodic hardcore, I mainly went to the show to see Title Fight - their shows are *known* to be super high-energy, with rowdy, die-hard fans moshing their hearts out. I was NOT disappointed, and when Circa took the stage, they kept the crowd hyped as ever.
The first thing I noticed was how melodic Circa's music is. Whether a song was slower and more mellow or loud and explosive, they virtually ALL had a guitar riff that immediately captivated me. The drummer was equally as expressive - he had his own "flavor" for sure, and I much enjoyed watching him work his magic when I wasn't in the pit. Even the bassist had flare; I was happy to hear some real dynamic bass lines.
As for the vocalist, he had a *thoroughly* entertaining sense of humor! He'd interact a lot with the crowd - "I love you!" was met with a poetic response stating his mutual, exclusive affection for that particular fan. He'd make up a nonsense song on the spot, to which the crowd merrily clapped along. But most importantly, he displayed MUCH professionalism as a vocalist; he stayed on pitch noticeably well - even during the encore of their long, intense set.
The fans were *super* chill and wore smiles on their faces the whole time. Crowd-surfing was met with high-fives, and the pit was nuts. This band was freakin' amazing. Thank you, Circa - I cannot wait to see you again!
connor-ward-2
Circa Survive live! This was a totally awesome concert. I drove over to Tampa to see them. They were playing at the Ritz Ybor, a great venue. The stage is next to a dance floor, so you can get up really close. There aren’t any seats, and everyone just pushes up toward the front. I don’t think I have ever been up so close to a band as I was at this show.
Circa Survive was amazing! There were people from all over who had come to Tampa to see them. There were even people from Australia! The crowd was really into it. Lots of moshing and crowd surfing. The lead singer, Anthony Green, was totally into the crowd surfing too.They had a really great set list with Holding Someone’s Hair Back, Sleep Underground, Sharp Practice, Birth of the Economic Hit Man, Frozen Creek, Suitcase, Act Appalled, The Most Dangerous Commercials, The Difference Between Medicine and Poison Is in the Dose – the list goes on and on. They must have played at least 20 songs. The crowd stayed on their feet the whole time, totally enthralled.
The energy was over the top – both the crowd and the band. Everyone there knew the words, and shouted along with every song. And Anthony never stops! He is talking to the audience, jumping around and singing – all without getting out of breath. The man just doesn’t get tired. This band gives it everything they have in every song. All in all a crazy fun time. I can’t wait to see them again!
Circa Survive first off is an amazing band to begin with. They moved seemlessly through each one of their songs playing a well balanced set of songs from each one of their albums. I being a huge fan of Circa Survive for ears loved that they incorporated a lot Blue Sky noise because its one of my favorite albums. Old National Theater (Murat) is my favorite venue in indianapolis because of how close and intimate it is. The sound was a little off at first but then they adjusted it and I began to hear the music as it was intended. I enjoyed every second of the show they even played a new song off of their new album and I got to say I can't wait for the album coming out in November! If you haven't seen Circa Survive put it on your bucket list because you won't be disappointment my only regret is that I didn't drink enough to go crowd surfing with Anthony Green (Lead singer) in the middle of the room which he did a few times that night. Sincerely a musician and music lover
kendunn7456
Excellent show. They had awesome stage presence and Anthony really engaged with the audience. He even made up a song for a guy in the audience who "touched his belly."
I hope this isn't too irrelevant, but I want to comment on the mosh pit. I love them. Even as a petite woman, I like to tie my hair up and jump right in and swing around. But at other shows I've noticed the audience was a lot more self aware than the people at this one. I noticed a lot of people fall and almost get trampled and I feel like I was one of the few who was pausing to help them up. Usually people at shows are better about that. Just wanted to take a minute to say to everyone reading: keep on moshing around, but if someone falls or gets hurt, help a brother/sister out!
alyssa-ruberto
Circa has been my favorite band since I was an angsty teen, but last night was more incredible than I remember. Obviously the music is phenomenal, but their performance was awesome. Before they played a song at all, Anthony prompted the crowd to take a deep breath and make a loud noise releasing all of their stress from the week.... what a spectacular way to clear your mind and truly enjoy Circa the way you're supposed to. Then, before they played their final song, they brought a ladder out onstage and did some cool balance things. Then Anthony said we make our own luck. LIFE AFFIRMING. I love them. Always have, always will. Only would have been happier if they played Act Appalled. <3
Carissabrtalik
Circa was amazing. What wasn't amazing was the fact that the venue changed from Regency Ballroom To Warfield last min. There were so many aggressive and strict ushers and employees herding us like cattle and standing in the isles that no one could barely move. They had the crowd on lock down and it was hard to enjoy the show when you had someone poking and prodding at you to stay in the lines the entire time. Thats the point of why you go to this show in the first place, to let loose and not to be over controlled by staff. the crowd was not rowdy at all we were just trying to enjoy the show. Not going to this venue in the future...
Aswain
Circa Survive rocked it!!! Well balanced melodic show with songs from the new album that sounds awesome (as usual) and many from Juturna. The ending was amazing. They asked for the crowd to remain still and refrain from making noise until the very end which is always fun for a build up. New York loves Circa and I'm sure they love us too. Must see....
Best Buy theatre's sound lacked a bunch. Not crystal clear but ultimately good. But for a band like Circa having crystal clear clarity is essential in maximizing your enjoyment. Won't be thrilled to re visit the venue.
alpatron617
Circa Survive, what can I say that hasn’t been said ? That they are fuckn awesome live ! I have seen Circa 10 or more times and each is such an incredible experience! Whether it’s up in LA at the Bootleg Theatre about 200 people or their biggest show at the Shrine 5k all are some of the best shows too attend , the band gives it up every night and the audience are like your best friends with everyone singing along ! There is no feeling like it ! Thank you Circa for all that you give in your music & shows . We will see you Soon and stay safe all .
yougot-thetickets
I first saw Circa Survive almost 10 years ago when they released their first album. They were excellent then; good enough that I remembered them vividly until I saw them last week in Indianapolis. Anthony Green still has all the energy he had when I saw him previously. I'm not sure about other fans, but they played only my favorite songs from all of their four albums. The crowd was great... the entire crowd was great. I believe this may be one of the more passionate crowds I've seen in a long time, and it made for a great experience. 10/10 worth.
lives
Not enough words to describe my experience. They were amazing and I can’t wait to see them again. We came in on the train from Fresno ca and I honestly would have traveled farther if I had to. They destroyed the vibe from the crowd was amazing. So much fun I. Brought my boyfriend because this is his favorite band ever. He tested up a little when he found out we were going. He’s battled so much in his life and this band got him through the worst parts of his life. So amazing is the best way to sum up my experience
dalia-romero
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