On Letting Go Review

Release Date: May 29, 2007
Label: Equal Vision
Genres: Emo, Alternative Pop/Rock
Number Of Tracks: 12
The sound of this album is rather trippy, as a whole. The guitar is very ambient, the drums fit into the style perfectly.

Sound:	9.2
Lyrics:	9.2
Impression:	9.8
Overall rating:	9.4
Users rating:	9.5
Comments:	19

overall: 10

Featured review by: lllostmotelll, on june 19, 2007

Sound: 'On Letting Go', Circa Survive's sophomore effort sounds more like they've been doing this for ages. They really know their sound, and how to keep it interesting throughout the entire course of the album. The drummer Steve Clifford is very tech throughout the entire album, and he does it without sounding like he's trying too hard. The guitars, although hard to follow at times and very ambient (sometimes so soft, you can't even hear one or either of them), but they keep the album interesting throughout. They are really easy to immerse yourself in the almost ethereal sound they produce on every track. Nick Beard's bass skills don't really stand out much, but if you listen closely, a few of his licks jump out, especially in 'Kicking Your Crosses Down', where a very simple line is very powerful throughout the entire song. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: Anthony Green was stellar on 'Juturna' and he is even more so with 'On Letting Go'. His voice with Saosin was a little raspy and distressed, and with the formation of Circa Survive, Anthony was able to showcase his voice as something that is ultimately better according to his style. Standout songs on 'On Letting Go' are 'In The Morning And Amazing', 'Travel Hymn', and the album's title track. Anthony shines in every song, but particularly in the aformentioned, and especially in 'Your Friends Are Gone', the album's powerful closing track. Once again though, his lyrics are very vague and often times confusing to the less analytical listener. However, I've always thought to myself, sometimes music is to enjoy, not to pick apart each verse and line to concretely interpret exactly what the lyricist was writing about. I think Anthony would agree. He wants to write about his personal life and his feelings without specifically saying "this happened, and then this happened." // 10

Impression: Overall, all of the instruments in the band collectively display an effective sound that works well for the overall feel the band had previously achieved with 'Juturna'. No hidden epic track this time, but the final song is powerful with "And all your friends were wrong, nobody cares," as the last lyric, and the final note, with just enough dynamic to leave the listener with a satisfied feeling. I was hoping Circa Survive would release 'On Letting Go' with a similar feel to their previous effort of 'Juturna', and I couldn't have been more pleased. // 10

overall: 9.7

Reviewed by: H_ngm_n, on june 11, 2007

Sound: On their latest CD Circa Survive really shows their true colors, at times it sounds like one big jam session, but then when you listen really closely you can hear how everything is just melted together to make real music. The guitarists are just amazing, the way they work with one another is borderline telepathic, they sound awesome together, On Letting Go is a good track to listen to in order to hear this. The drummer also sheds new light on his talent, I think he gets some god-given talent from his huge beard, Living Together shows off the drummer. The bass player does really cool things to add to the music over all, I haven't heard anything overly impressive from him, but The Greatest Lie has a cool bass run. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: It's Anthony Green, need I say more? His lyrics this time around are some of the best he's ever written. On Letting Go, Semi-Constuctive Criticism, Your Friends Are Gone, and Travel Hym all show off his impressive writing skills. His voice never seems to stand out from the music, it sounds like another intrument in the background, he places it in the mix perfectly, no one does it better than him. His voice may take a while for someone whose never heard the band to listen too, but he really is amazing. // 10

Impression: I bought this CD about two weeks after I bought the new Fall of Troy CD, and the new From Autumn to Ashes CD, I've listened to this more already than both those CD's together, it truly is some of the greatest music I've heard in a long time, you can tell they have their hearts in it, and it shows, they are simply breathtaking, if you've never heard Circa Survive, you need too. I love everything about this album and hate nothing, and if it were stolen, I'd buy it again. // 10

overall: 9.7

Reviewed by: Fatally Jon, on september 08, 2007

Sound: So I've heard a lot of hype about this band recently. It got to a point where I decided to just buy the damn CD without even listening to it (twelve dollars after my FYI Membership pass). I wasn't sure what to expect, so I was of course blown away by what I heard. Circa Survive is an amazing, experimental blend of rock with one of the spaciest, most calming sound I've heard in a while. I haven't felt so free and at peace since I first heard Something Corporate's album "North", only the vocals are much better. There are a lot of ambient guitar riffs and effects that softly carry you through the album effortlessly. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: In my view, this is the only point at which this album falters, if only just a little. I've had the disc for about a day, I've listened to it about seven times over already, and after a bit, the songs begin to blend together due to the fact that the vocals by Anthony Green don't really differ too much. The man has insane range; at first listen, I was convinced it was a girl. But as far as vocal rhythym goes, it barely changes from track to track. This helps with the calming atmosphere of the album, but it leaves a bit to be desired. I feel as though you could take the vocals from one song and lay them over another song, and no one would notice. I've only been able to pick out a few lyrics, but the ones I have are incredible; my favorite line would definitely by from "In the Morning and Amazing ": "This is wrong/This is wrong/And I cannot sleep without the radio on/And how could anyone." // 9

Impression: You can't go wrong with this album, unless you're someone obsessed with metal, who dresses in those giant, black Hot Topic pants covered in chains just to prove that you have a big penis. Songs that stand out include "In The Morning and Amazing", "The Difference Between Medicine and Poison Is In The Dose", "On Letting Go", and "Your Friends Are Gone". I would definitely buy this album again if it were lost or stolen. Circa Survive lives up to and even surpasses the hype. // 10

overall: 9.7

Reviewed by: hmmmdom, on june 11, 2007

Sound: With this album, Circa Survive have moved on from Juturna and really set out to push the boundaries further. The guitar work is very ambient and dreamy on some songs but there are some nice riffs like in the first track, Living Together, where the riff with the bend is the hook of the song. Generally, the playing is solid and gives a great backdrop for Anthony Green to really standout on the record. Anthony Green has improved his vocals from the last album and really soars above the guitars and it is his singing that really marks the record as a keeper because whether you are a diehard Ant Green fan to someone new to Circa Survive, the vocal work will blow you away. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics have again improved since the Juturna days. Although some songs can have rather cryptic lyrics, they are beautiful non the less. This coupled with Anthony Green's soaring voice just brings the songs to life with every single syllable ringing loud and clear. // 9

Impression: Initially, this album may not jump out at you due the ambient sounds and the lack of an obvious single in my opinion but after listening through a few times, it is clear that it is a dramatic improvement upon Juturna, which was already a very good album. Circa Survive have clearly refined their sound and pushed the boundaries to create some beautiful songs. Finally, without a shadow of a doubt, it is Anthony Green's singing that just brings the whole album to life. This ethereal album is a must have for anyone who liked Juturna, Anthony Green fans and music lover alike. // 10

overall: 8

Reviewed by: tralala13, on june 04, 2007

Sound: The sound of this album is rather trippy, as a whole. The guitar is very ambient, the drums fit into the style perfectly, and I'll describe the vocals when I get there, since they seem to be the principal part of this band. It is pleasing to the ear. This album is straight-up art rock. I can't think of anything else to describe them. There are very few instrumental parts, so it's rather hard to review the ones that are there. To sum it up, Anthony Green needs to let everyone else in the band shine, not that it's exactly a liability for this band. Overall, very good, but could be a lot more innovative. // 7

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics don't make any sense. You can't really help but feel like there's some secret society and they're telling you all of its inside jokes that aren't funny unless you were there. The lyrics are beautiful, but they don't get any point across, and I'm not sure if they were supposed to. They sound great with the music and with Anthony's voice, however. The vocals. Anthony Green is almost a perfect vocalist. I can't say perfect, because he doesn't have any vibrato, but he's as good as perfect, and the lack of incoherent screaming is always nice. // 8

Impression: I can think of plenty of bands that are better than Circa Survive instrumentally. However, vocally, there can't possibly too many people who are superior. If you like Anthony Green's vocals, you should listen to Chiodos (that is, unless you absolutely detest screaming; whether people like it or not, Craig and Anthony do sound alike). Surprisingly, my favorite song from this record is "Mandala". That song is a perfect mix of cool beats and trippy vocals. I don't really hate anything about this record, and it's already on my computer. To be honest, I can't believe no one has reviewed this yet. // 9

Comments

[J_truant]

I am completely in love with this album. Just on the first day I got it I must have gone through it at least 20 times. Being a guitarist I know it doesn't have that luxury of being technical or complicated guitar wise, but we should all know that being technical has it's own place and when misused can make anything sound bad. Each song just has a sense of being together and complete, which makes the album as a whole sound complete. I almost want to say that this is a perfect album. Nothing was overdone and nothing seems to be overthought. Everything is just right.

[tralala13]

J_truant wrote:

I am completely in love with this album. Just on the first day I got it I must have gone through it at least 20 times. Being a guitarist I know it doesn't have that luxury of being technical or complicated guitar wise, but we should all know that being technical has it's own place and when misused can make anything sound bad. Each song just has a sense of being together and complete, which makes the album as a whole sound complete. I almost want to say that this is a perfect album. Nothing was overdone and nothing seems to be overthought. Everything is just right.

I am a new fan. I thought Juturna was kind of boring, but this album actually surprised me, and I thought it was genuinely good. However, I did notice that the guitarists could work a little on their skills, not that it's a bad thing.
I still like Chiodos more.

[Junesongtrigger]

This band is incredible, it is insane how good they sound considering it is only their second album.

[salmarnirecho]

It's a good CD, and I agree about them lyrically. Anthony Green is exceptionally cryptic in his lyrics. I'm sure there is a point/message, but his diction is very vague. This is still a good CD, and I've heard that many of the songs on this album were written about stories in the New Testament. If this is true, I'd have to say that it doesn't seem like Green particularly likes much of what the New Testament is about. I'd say my favorite songs are "Travel Hymn" and "Kicking Your Crosses Down".

[yadiraisthebest]

Craig and Anthony don't sound alike.
maybe because they both have high pitched voices, but other than that, they sound nothing alike.

On Letting Go does have a message, and a point..
if you would actually listen to the lyrics..
or maybe even the album title..
On letting go to me, means that you're letting go of the past, and just looking into the future..
and Circa is kind of about outliving a time period, how everybody wants to have something more, which is pretty much what their name, Circa Survive means.
Juturna also has the same vibe because Juturna is a mythological spring of life, from greek mythology, and it has a lot to do with starting over.
it's just about letting go..
the title is pretty much self-explanatory..
to me, the lyrics do have a message, maybe some of you are just close minded and can't see that..
haa, well take the actual song On Letting Go for instince..
since there's been a lot of stuff saying that this cd is related to the New Testament..
I think it's sort of about Anthony and his relationship with his Mother..
This is how I see religion fitting around this cd.
I think the symbolism and metaphors used throughout this cd are towards the confusion that sets in when you turn your back to the truth to blindly follow a belief..."all i wanted to be was one of your children"...It's almost like a call to a God that they now know isnt there....And this whole cd is On letting go of their traditional beliefs of how they were brought up.... Just my view of it.

And Anthony not letting the rest of the band shine, I find to be complete bullshit..
since, well, most of us know Anthony is by far the best looking in the band...
the fans kind of focus on him more, so if the rest of the band aren't really getting their chance to shine, it's most certainly not anthony's fault.
that comes with any band..
people usually look at the vocalist more..

[tralala13]

yadiraisthebest wrote:

Craig and Anthony don't sound alike.
maybe because they both have high pitched voices, but other than that, they sound nothing alike.

On Letting Go does have a message, and a point..
if you would actually listen to the lyrics..
or maybe even the album title..
On letting go to me, means that you're letting go of the past, and just looking into the future..
and Circa is kind of about outliving a time period, how everybody wants to have something more, which is pretty much what their name, Circa Survive means.
Juturna also has the same vibe because Juturna is a mythological spring of life, from greek mythology, and it has a lot to do with starting over.
it's just about letting go..
the title is pretty much self-explanatory..
to me, the lyrics do have a message, maybe some of you are just close minded and can't see that..
haa, well take the actual song On Letting Go for instince..
since there's been a lot of stuff saying that this cd is related to the New Testament..
I think it's sort of about Anthony and his relationship with his Mother..
This is how I see religion fitting around this cd.
I think the symbolism and metaphors used throughout this cd are towards the confusion that sets in when you turn your back to the truth to blindly follow a belief..."all i wanted to be was one of your children"...It's almost like a call to a God that they now know isnt there....And this whole cd is On letting go of their traditional beliefs of how they were brought up.... Just my view of it.

And Anthony not letting the rest of the band shine, I find to be complete bullshit..
since, well, most of us know Anthony is by far the best looking in the band...
the fans kind of focus on him more, so if the rest of the band aren't really getting their chance to shine, it's most certainly not anthony's fault.
that comes with any band..
people usually look at the vocalist more..

I didn't say they didn't have a message, I just said that they didn't get the message across very well. Then again, I never said I was an expert at interpreting lyrics.

[thexsunrosered]

lollll
he said stellarrrr
nice

[thexsunrosered]

oh yeah
about the album =] circa did a video interview with some web site... idk what it is, but in the interview, (this was before the record came out) anthony (not to be outspoken by his bandmembers) graciously spoke to the woman and told her that this album was all about, now don't quote this, but he said it was about basically moving on from the past, and seeing the future as it is, and him and the band have all come to realize things that just made the album because all of them let go of something during the process. then anthony threw popcorn at the camera guy =P

[onefourtyseven]

this album never ceases to impress me
even after the 20th listen.

it's so complete and full sounding..amazing.

[Infamou$17]

I love it more every time I listen to it, it is almost perfect. My only gripe is that Anthony's singing is a lot harder to interpret here than in Juturna, but it still sounds perfect with the music.

Now if only someone would tab out some of these songs to add to the UG Circa tab collection, all of those tabs are either from Juturna or bootlegs. And some I have never heard of previously

[Infamou$17]

And I also find it difficult to listen to Craig for more than 5 seconds without wanting to stab the speakers with an icepick

[zero27]

i like this band alot... the one thing that gets me is that anthony green is constantly singing.....

Checked.

[ghost_killaz]

they remind me of dredg

[longhornchad200]

Juturna is about eternal sunshine of the spotless mind... If you've seen the movie it's pretty obvious. It can even be synched up to the movie.

[1h81337]

yadiraisthebest, their name was chosen because it "sounded nice"

when equal vision sign them, so they just went out on an emotional feel

[Infamou$17]

Anthony and Craig sound alike? The f**k?? Craig sounds like he has the flu and, in screaming, strep throat. Anthony >>>>> Craig

[Infamou$17]

tralala13 wrote:

I am a new fan. I thought Juturna was kind of boring, but this album actually surprised me, and I thought it was genuinely good. However, I did notice that the guitarists could work a little on their skills, not that it's a bad thing.
I still like Chiodos more.

Trust me, if Brendan and Colin really wanted to shred, they could. They hold back sometimes because they know that if they let loose it would kill the sound. They pulled it off perfectly. If you want the same surreal, spacey sound with two or three of the greatest f*cking guitar solos known to man, and still want to hear Anthony, go listen to the album "Tiger & the Duke" by The Sound of Animals Fighting

[LuDo3234]

The difference between medicine and poison is in the dose... all I'm saying...