"You'll be relieved when you open up and let yourself seem vulnerable," Anthony Green coaxes on "Your Friends Are Gone," and he and Circa Survive are leading by example with their revealing album On Letting Go. Across a dozen songs, Circa Survive explore their inner workings and feelings, their relationships, their lives, and even their philosophies, delving deep into their psyches along the way. However, for all this exposure, the lyrics are often veiled enough that the group isn't left entirely naked, and sometimes even the themes are obscured. "The Difference Between Medicine and Poison Is in the Dose" is ostensibly about writer's block, but there's more emotional wallop than just that within. "Semi Constructive Criticism" is a bit more straightforward, an apology to a slighted bandmember, and the more obscure "Living Together" delves into the effect of music-making itself -- but is "In the Morning and Amazing..." addressed to a person or an instrument? From the disowning of a wayward parent (the title track) to the philosophical questioning of "Kicking Your Crosses Down" and "Close Your Eyes to See," On Letting Go isn't content to let anything go without dissecting it first. And perhaps because there's so much lyrical intensity within, this time around Circa Survive create a more forthright sound than previously. Of course, the guitars still cascade across the grooves, off-kilter drumbeats still spatter the set, and the band's epic sound remains intact. But now their dramatic shifts are no longer the focus, with melodies coming even more strongly to the fore, along with more variation in styling. Circa Survive are growing at an astounding rate, and this much more mature effort suggests they're now reaching their prime. ~ Jo-Ann Greene, All Music Guide
Love everything that comes from Green, for sure. The lyrics and melodies are just as touching, but not nearly as emphasized as in Juturna. I love sleeping to On Letting Go, but just don't get the same kick as I did from Juturna. It's not as moving and rejuvenating as Juturna was =/
Well if you think about it, Anthony's vocals are different and therefore sound better with Circa because on Juturna, he was just coming out of his phase with Saosin, a band in my opinion, had he stayed with it, would be one of the best if not the best on the scene right now. But Circa is where it is at for him and he makes it happen. His vocals are so fluid and soothing that it is hard not to fall for the songs.
i feel like anthony green has definitely worked on the vocals. they flowed throughout the album. a very subtle improvement from Juturna. listen to 'wish resign' and just listen to how harsh his voice sounds at times, like he just wants to scream the lyrics. not that i'm complaining, but the vocals have definitely been worked on, i feel.
love this album, everything is just so different from anything that is out right now they have so much meaning and its not just like other bands out there that have a catchy song, their fans love them for the songs entierly, they are relatable, and its an album that you can listen in its entierty all the songs are good not like other bands that have 2 good songs and thats it. they sound awsome live and they connection they have w/ the audience is just... i dont even know how to explain it. long
On Letting Go masters the art of communication between vocalist and listener, masters harmonizing and complexity, and creates a new kind of slow rock, evident throughout most every track; a kind of slow rock that isn't slow at all. How could it be; a single measure of CS is filled with rolling drums and chords and words. Not to mention it's a brain teaser, and audacious in content. The echoing is beauty.