Metal trimmings, minimal jazz primers, and cryptic riffs that hit out of nowhere with the pummeling impact of a comet. Their music weaves up an intense and cinematic albeit soothing clobbering that cannot be pigeonholed. T... more »heir lumbering layers of chiseled post rock and feathery psychedelic infusions have both revved and enticed listeners into mental orgasms the world over. They've shared stages with Tool, Dalek, Daughters, and Pelican. Catch them on tour beginning in late May.« less
Metal trimmings, minimal jazz primers, and cryptic riffs that hit out of nowhere with the pummeling impact of a comet. Their music weaves up an intense and cinematic albeit soothing clobbering that cannot be pigeonholed. Their lumbering layers of chiseled post rock and feathery psychedelic infusions have both revved and enticed listeners into mental orgasms the world over. They've shared stages with Tool, Dalek, Daughters, and Pelican. Catch them on tour beginning in late May.
CD Reviews
Much Needed Youngblood
Harry Tenench | Tx | 05/25/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just found out about these guys recently and I have to commend them on their musicianship and decision to do instrumental music. They are free from catering to some growling or shrilling vocalist who would undoubtedly wreck this music with bad themes and worse singing. It is about time some bands come forth that are committed to music only. I have been waiting for decades for a band like this to come along. They blend together all the good elements of heavy metal, progressive rock and psychedelia without the disruption of some wailing idiot trying to add his / her 2 cents. In the case of Russian Cirles the music is always headed somewhere and very vibrant. Many of the musical passages they have composed would not have come to be most likely if they were trying to fit in a vocalist. This is exiting and hopefully they don't rethink their formula or be forced to by the short attention span of most music buyers.
From the start of Station you can tell the musicianship is top notch and it is a surprise when you realise they get all this sound as a 3 piece. The guitarist has great taste and a unique way of playing with two hands on the fretboard at times. This gives the illusion of a fourth player and is very well executed, no overkill and all substance. The percussionist is noteably top rate and creative as is the bassist.
Hopefully this form of music will spawn future rock musicians to explore what they can accomplish with instruments only. Russian Cirles will hopefully be looked at one day as pioneers of instrumental rock music and be able to continue their craft in the present. The few bands at the helm of this new territory are critical to pushing rock music forward. One of the key ingredients is that the musicianship is great but not by the amount of notes per second rule that used to apply. This music is about sound, emotion and creativity and has far more impact than the million notes approach. If you like this type of thing other bands to keep an eye on are Red Sparowes , Explosions in the Sky, Grails and Pelican. Hopefully there will be more to come.
Great record guys ! Buy it!"
Coming Full Circle
T-Rez | Chicago, IL | 05/12/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Went to the record release show recently and heard most of the songs live. I am very happy to report the new material is just as amazing coming from the studio. I very much enjoyed their debut, Enter, but this is much more polished and makes tons of sense musically. Its a little Pelican mixed with some Explosions in the Sky and its all Russian Circles!! What sets them apart from the rest of the Instra-Metal bands is Dave's absolutely incredible drum work. Station is no exception to his complete mastery of the instrument. If you are a fan of Pelican, Explosions in the Sky, Isis, Mono, and it goes without saying that if you are a Russian Circles fan, you must own Station. Mike and Dave, outstanding work!!
"
This Band is Amazing
Margarine Hype | Cavernous Churn, IL | 05/11/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Being a massive fan of "Enter", I couldn't wait to hear this album, and I was not let down. This band keeps getting better.
Russian Circles create atmospheric music that takes the listener on a ride through highs and lows, going from light to heavy, break neck paces to trudging riffs.
"Station" is one of the best albums of the year so far, definetely pick this one up."
Amazing.
D. Cave | Denver, CO | 08/06/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"simply.
i heard some of the songs off this on their recent US tour with daughters and young widows, and i was blown away. i hadn't even known this was out until after i saw the show, but immediately bought it.
i really don't know what to say about this album except it is much better in every way. they have really outdone themselves and their previous releases with this one, and i have to say it's one of my favorite albums of all time.
i just hope they don't stray too far from what they have here, it'd be a real shame."
Excellent Sophomore Release
Shared Gum | alexandria, va United States | 07/02/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Russian Circles' second album is perhaps even better than critically acclaimed Enter (critically acclaimed in an underground sort of way). These guys are excellent musicians and their arrangements are very interesting and unique. If you are looking to get a taste of it, check out their myspace page and listen to Verses (available on their myspace page at this time - 7/2/2008). This song gives you a taste of what they do - slow build up and almost classical melodies leading up to some heavy riffs in the end. I know that there are other bands out there that create music that blends classical and heavy, but seeing these guys live and what they are able to do with just three instruments made me appreciate their music even more.
If you're new to the genre of post-metal /post-rock instrumental bands, if you are into Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree, Tool, Isis or Radiohead, this music may appeal to you.
Also, Amazon's description states that they have shared stage with Daughters. Don't let that confuse you - I find no overlap between the two bands."
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1