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