Want to know the difference between medicine and poison?

Some classify them as prog-punk, others as post-hardcore, and others don't know what the crap to make out of 'em. Can you guess? Incredibly talented frontman Anthony Green belonged to Saosin and the Sound of Animals Fighting? What's he up to now? Leading Circa Survive, a new -prog-punk-post-hardcore band. Their 2005 debut, Juturna, made them known. Now their sophomore effort, On Letting Go, is raising eyebrows - and, unless I've missed something, Green's voice. Here's a review on it. It's been haunting my Walkman for the past several hours and couple of days.

Circa Survive - On Letting Go
****
This five-piece may not be familiar. Weird band names, weirder song names, weird music...but all in a prog-punk way, eh? Circa's new album is intended for kids who've never heard prog-punk. It certainly works. The disc opens with the awesome "Living Together." Now, remember, the song names don't match the song's contents. The haunting chorus blends spine-chilling guitar work, thanks to Brendan Ekstrom and Colin Frangicetto, with Green's absolutely ghostly falsetto vocals, to create a memorable opener. The next couple of tunes, "In the Morning and Amazing..." and "The Greatest Lie" showcase what is perhaps Circa's edge: otherworldly lyrics, unhumanly high vocals, and seamless music to accompany them. The next song is the best, but we'll get to it last. "Semi Constructive Criticism" is typical Circa, and there is an album title namesake which is also typical Circa, as is the rest of the album. The disappointments come in the form of "Kicking Your Crosses Down," a view from an athiest, something Circa tried but failed at, and "Mandala," with impossible lyrics and beats. The true nugget of gold in the silver is "The Difference Between Medicine and Poison Is in the Dose," a flawless song with incredible instruments backing up seamless vocals thanks to Green. I recommend this for something new. That's all fer now. Buhbye, evurybuddy!

Ian

Welcome to the Music blog! I call it music because, although not necessarily contained to the art, is the centerpieced focus of the blog. The address is emolistenings because it brings class to depression. Today we will start off with some reviews, expanded for non-emo listeners. For all you MySpacers, add me. My space is http://myspace.com/magicutopia. Here go the reviews. Oh, by the way, here's a key:

* = Crap is high-class compared to this.
** = Doesn't deserve plagiarism.
*** = If you like the genre, go on, splurge for it.
**** = Worthy of any collection.
***** = Buy now! Listen much! Be addicted!

Finger Eleven - Them vs. You vs. Me
****1/2
Canadian quintet Finger Eleven were made a hit in the States with their mellow single "One Thing." Now, Them vs. You vs. Me gives us a further insight into F11's eclectic taste. The album has already spawned a red hot single with tons of radio time, "Paralyzer." This unbelievably catchy song mixes infectious beats with frontman Scott Anderson's raspy vocals. Throughout the album, though, Anderson's vocals evolve enormously. The styles on the album stray from the "Paralyzer" style. "Falling On" is an amazing rock-pop hybrid with an amazing concept and melodic guitar hooks. Then comes "So-So Suicide," an undoubtedly rock-hardcore blend with a catchy hook and perfect guitar backup. What's more, "Sense of a Spark" mixes in, another memorable rock beat. The rock doesn't stop; "Lost My Way" is a powerfully sung hard rock ballad with catchy beats and infectious rhythms. If any tracks are worthy of the word 'ballad', however, it would be "I'll Keep Your Memory Vague" and "Window Song." Both tunes are emotionally sung. Two pop-rock songs, "Talking to the Walls" and "Gather and Give" follow. "Walls" is well versed and the vocals are excellent. "Gather" feels like a Christian contemporary song, and could be one. It's just as good, and I like it. "Easy Life," a rhetorical song about today's - well, easy life - that drives the record home. Get this one. 'Bye fer now, evurybuddy!

Ian