Review Summary: Beautiful, diverse, and memorable.
From the beginning of their ambitious career, Circa Survive has impressed with their incredible amounts of emotion, experimentation, and power. The frontman Anthony Green writes lyrics from the depths of his heart and mind, while the rest of the band seems to paint the picture around him. This album is no exception to the previous genius of "Juturna" and "On Letting Go", and better yet it shows a fair amount of progression.
The album opens up with "Strange Terrain", an interesting and adventurous tune that starts up "Blue Sky Noise" perfectly with it's obscure sing-along chorus and verses that bounce along as smoothly as honey. This is certainly a new feel for Circa Survive, but it's catchiness is undeniable.
The song fluidly transforms into what is the most powerful song in Circa history, "Get Out". With more "rock" sounding riffs, yelled vocals, and even a guitar solo, Circa shows they are capable of breaking away from their usually very ominous song writing style in favor of something more fun. It may take a transition period for fans of the first two records, but nonetheless the song is proof of the savage energy locked inside of the band.
The song "Glass Arrows" is another gem because of the incredibly melodic guitar structure around Anthony's wonderful voice and lyrics, complete with yet another solo and very appropriate progressive rock influences. It not only proves that they have open minds, but in addition proves that these men really know their craft.
The haunting outro of this song leads into a more optimistic feeling piece, "I Felt Free", is proof of what a poet Anthony Green really is. Like "Get Out", the song has a fun vibe about it, but instead of hard rock it would be more comfortably categorized under the label of "pop rock". Though don't be misled, the song has the signature sound that the rest of this album shares and holds its own beauty and obscurity, in no way will this be the next billboard chart topper.
"Imaginary Enemy" is the second stand out track on the album, complete with a killer bass line and like the rest of this album, a very emotional chorus with perfect vocal harmony to the instrumental tones. The desperate cry, "I tried so hard to be what you needed," should give you butterflies every time regardless of who you are or what kind of music you normally like to listen to.
The next track "Through The Desert Alone" is certainly a good song, but doesn't have any distinct qualities besides perhaps the well-placed breakdown. It has a powerful chorus much like all Circa songs, but there is nothing that jumps out, perhaps the only downfall of this entire album.
The next song is a personal favorite, "Frozen Creek" demonstrates just how beautiful of a soundscape Circa is able to create. Your mind becomes an art gallery throughout the length of this song, and while the lyrics are beautiful and symbolic, the fine musicianship should not be overlooked. This is a song that baffles me at every listen, the very essence of the bands soul bleeds through to you. In fact the frontman wrote this song at one of the darkest times of his life, and like all good art perfectly represents it.
After another interesting outro that perfectly closes up the songs journey, the upbeat "Fever Dreams" takes its place. It has a desolate sound to it, almost like the band was tormented while writing it. "Either way I'm going to hell!" escapes anthony's breath in a heart wrenching drone, and like the rest of the song holds a not only melancholy, but also desperate feel to it.
The following song is without a doubt the most dark and eerie song on the album. "Spirit of the Stairwell" is not only haunting, but presents itself as one of the most incredible songs ever written. With the two overlapping guitar parts and sound effects that build a flawless harmony around Anthony's bleak tone, this song blows away any creative boundaries you may have thought the band had. Most definitely another stand-out track.
Unpredictably, the next song "The Longest Mile" blows instantly into a strong and groovy drum beat with an equally strong guitar and bass line. Once again I was surprised that Circa Survive would venture so far out of their comfort zone with this, but like the rest of "Blue Sky Noise", the formula works out due to their talent.
The next song "Compendium" is an interesting instrumental interlude that retains the "Blue Sky Noise" sound. After listening to this song I realized that this band was never going to be the same again. They were able to compose something incredibly memorable even without the help of Anthony Greens signature voice and lyrics! It is no doubt a milestone in their career.
"Compendium" perfectly leads up to the unbelievably epic conclusion, "Dyed In the Wool". This song gorgeously closes the adventure that Circa Survive has created for you in these 50 minutes, with a guitar riff that fits somewhere in between melancholy and hopeful, and perhaps some of the most beautiful words Anthony has ever written. The line "Nothing's gonna change that hopeless feeling I get when you say you understand... But I know you can't." Would sound like something an angst-filled teenager would say to their parents. But the sincerity that came from Anthony's voice brought a tear to my eyes, rather than a roll of them.
Altogether this is what I would consider a modern rock classic. It has all of the succulent ingredients required, and even touches new ground! I would imagine even the world's most renowned artists finding beauty in this, because while at moments it may be edgy and somewhat moody, there is always a thick layer of beauty and passion intertwined. Love it or hate it these musicians have made something special, and no other group could do it quite as well.
