Circa Survive - On Letting Go

Experimental rockers Circa Survive return with their sophomore release On Letting Go, an album which finds its strength in the strong vocals of frontman Anthony Green and the progressive guitar work of Colin Frangicetto and Brendan Ekstrom. For those unfamiliar with the story of Green, who left then up-and-coming rockers Saosin in early 2004, there were a lot of expectations for this album, as their debut, 2005's Juturna, is often thought a landmark in the genre. The good news for Circa fans is that this is not Juturna Part II; for On Letting Go, while not always blazing new trails, does not disappoint. Many of the tracks, including the title track, opener "Living Together," and "In The Morning and Amazing..." are quite reminiscent of Juturna, but the band often proves themselves able to venture into new territory. The band succeeds most when they switch things up rhythmically, as drummer Steve Clifford and bassist Nick Beard prove equal to any rhythmic task on songs such as "The Greatest Lie," and especially on "Mandala" and "Kicking Your Crosses Down," two tracks which may prove to be dividing lines for fans. On Letting Go, however, is an album that fans should grab onto and not let go of, as it is a worthy addition to an already excellent 2007. [www.circasurvive.com]