Words by Dan Maloney//Illustration by Abby Rodriguez
Whenever I come upon checking out a band that is instrumental, a few obvious questions come to my mind. One: Why don’t they have a vocalist? Two: Do they play boring jazz or electronic based music? And three: Is the music sufficient enough or am I wishing they held out for someone with some pipes? Chicago based Russian Circles surpass my instrumental screening criteria. Why? Because I think, quite possibly, vocals could ruin everything I like about their music. The band is modestly a three-piece, but manages to sonically expand to what—at times—sounds like an orchestra, that is if the said ensemble smoked a lot of pot and let their hair grow past their ears and worshipped the blessed time signatures of Yes. Lazy reviewers could easily lump these guys in with any heavy instrumental group that utilizes elements of math rock, jazz, and prog. I am going to attempt to do the boys one better by labeling them apocalyptic mood rock! Once Armageddon comes I want to ride a fucking flamed chariot to the punishing riffs of the approriatly named, “Death Rides a Horse,” and come to the morbid realization I am the only man alive to the sounds of “Micah.” Yes, Russian Circles utilizes elements of math rock, prog, metal, and swooping indie post-rock capacities, but the boys succeed mostly in creating a layered mood. The music is as intense as it is soothingly subdued. At one minute your mother could be grabbing her yoga mat and the next your burnout uncle could be propelling his mighty locks around furiously. It is the weaving of the quiet to loud dynamics that set the band apart.

The opening track “Carpe,” fully illustrates the band’s capabilities by opening with a spooky organ grinder-styled guitar loop that quickly resonates into a triumphant sword-wielding explosion. The guitar arpeggios and harmonics skillfully shift time signatures that make this nearly ten-minute song seem like five minutes tops. At times even the use of distortion seems light as if used as a hazy layer to transition parts. The resulting feel of the song illustrates to me a man on the brink of a challenging journey, like the elfish Zelda of our youth or a Dungeons and Dragons character.

In addition to the angled atmospherics, Russian Circles uses a supreme sense of technical musicianship. The rhythm section is locked in place with precision and the virtuosity of guitarist Mike Sullivan shines with every finger tap sweep. You’d think these boys would look like some Guitar Center heshers who used to spend their days on the clock shredding the mighty chords of Dream Theater, but in reality these are some skinny unassuming hipsters from Chicago, who’d probably take your mother up for some milk and cookies.

Enter is a solid debut for a band that is destined to outdo themselves with each release. Already on the road for most of the year with bands like Minus the Bear, Murder by Death, Pelican, and Isis, this band is making believers out of indie/hardcore kids alike. Go ahead and treat yourself.

Russian Circles
Flameshovel Records