Forsaking vocalists, a lot of bands these days are opting to stick to instrumental creativity to construct vivid, emotional sonic tapestries. An entire genre & scene has in turn been constructed. Bands such as Red Sparowes, Pelican, Canvas Solaris, Explosions In The Sky & others have built substantial followings over the last few years by simply defying convention, musical or otherwise.
Enter Russian Circles. Their 2006 release Enter would fall under the ever-broadening definition of what this genre is becoming. The term “Post Rock” is almost becoming too confining. Russian Circles combine jagged ambience with dashes of Prog Metal, creating loud, brash peaks & melancholy, cavernous depths on this 6 track release.
The trick in this genre is to not bore the listener. What with no vocals to latch onto, there is the problem of keeping people’s attention. Russian Circles deliver their music with a great amount of energy & conviction, literally leaving you waiting for what comes next. In the midst of taking in the current movement, you can’t help but wonder where they’ll go from that point. A stellar effort.
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Well nice review but Enter came out in 2006 and what they are up to is releasing their next amazing record called Station May 6th. they have a new track from it called harper lewis on their myspace.com/russiancircles
on Apr 10th, 2008 at 11:27page
2006 it is, then…Erik, can we edit? Sorry for the error…the disc still rules. :-)
on Apr 10th, 2008 at 11:59saw them in sacto ca opening for red sparows.
these guys blew me and some friends away. Easily my best “new discovery” in years. can’t wait for the new album. Live they are unstoppable
on Apr 10th, 2008 at 12:38Fixed
on Apr 10th, 2008 at 14:27This band Pelican and Zombi are the only good instrumental groups well in my opinion.
on Apr 10th, 2008 at 17:56Pelata, get your hands on their new one, “Station.” I just reviewed it for Exclaim magazine, and it literally changed the way I’ll listen to this subgenre in the future. One of the best albums of the decade, no joke!
on Apr 15th, 2008 at 22:05