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Hyato The Year of the Black Rainbow Two much Neo total posts: 2420 since: May 2003	Oct 19, 05 at 10:58am ^ Circa Survive
	Log in to remove this advertisement Circa Survive Bio of Circa Survive There are things we see in movies that serve for most people more as idealized romantic notions than actual reality: the pivotal scenes where people turn their backs on a "rational" life choice to follow their hearts instead — and the consequences be damned. But on occasion, these things do happen in real life, and Circa Survive is the product of just such an extraordinary decision. From an outside perspective, Anthony Green had it made in early 2004. He was fronting Saosin, a California-based band that was rapidly on the rise. He had felt strongly enough about the group to relocate from his native Philadelphia to the West Coast, and now major touring and a debut album were on the horizon. But something just wasn't right. Even after a year on the other side of the country, the scenario didn't click. "I constantly thought about what it would be like if I was in a band and I was in my hometown — and if I was making music that I had more control over," recalls the singer. "I was wondering if there was a possibility that I'd be able to pull something together and have people that I'd really like to work with working with me." Things with Saosin were moving too quickly to stop, though. Or so it seemed. In need of space, Green flew back to Philadelphia for some conveniently timed oral surgery. "I scheduled getting my wisdom teeth out so that I would have to fly home and hang out for a little bit," he admits. Also on the agenda was spending some quality time with his old friend Colin Frangicetto. Frangicetto had been dealing with upheaval in his life, as well, following the split of his own band, This Day Forward — a popular Philly hardcore act that had been on the scene for seven years. He had been in the group since high school, meaning it was pretty much all he had known as an adult. "It was the first time in a while that I had absolutely no idea what was going to happen in my life," he remembers. So, while weighing the options, he re-enrolled in school and set about making demos of his own material. "I was really never expecting to even put anything out with Anthony," says the guitarist, thinking back on Green's visit. "I was just enjoying hanging with my friend and didn't want to get my hopes up, even though we were writing and jamming every day, regardless of my schoolwork. It was so exciting and inspiring to work with someone likeminded; he was just as driven as I was to just go and not stop." The reality check came soon enough, however, with Green expected back out West to get things rolling with Saosin. Despondently, he headed for the airport — and that's when things kicked into big screen mode. "We had spoken seriously about him quitting and us doing a real band for the first time the day before," remembers Frangicetto. "But it was almost in a wishful, fantasy type way. Then I was in class, and he left me a message saying that he didn't want to leave, and that our story wasn't over. I rushed to call him, and when I finally got him on the phone, he said, 'I can't talk right now, we're gonna take off. I'll call you on my layover in Arizona.'" "I had a layover in Phoenix before I got to LA," explains Green. "I was freaking out. It was such a weird turning point. I just felt like, if something's going to happen, I'm going to have to do it. I hadn't had to do anything really hard in the last year. I had just been in this band, and on tour. I was so nervous to make any kind of decision. So I actually was totally just going to go back to California and do those tours, and then try and do a side project with Colin." But when the truth hit him, it hit hard. Green never even got on the next plane. At that moment, in that Arizona airport, everything changed. "I went to the lady at the front desk in Phoenix and was like, 'I made a mistake. I need to go back,'" he reveals. "She must have thought I was a runaway or some messedup kid." Frangicetto, meanwhile, was experiencing what he can only describe as "utter shock and disbelief." As he relates, "I definitely did not to expect to get a call that went something like, 'I'm gonna need you to pick me up at Philly International around 6:00 a.m. I'm not going back. I just called and quit. I'm not even getting my clothes back." Reunited that early morning, under the most surreal of circumstances, the pair drove back home as the sun came up over the city. The next day they commemorated the event by composing a track appropriately titled "Handshakes at Sunrise." Things fell into place relatively easily over the next few months. The two already had the support of Equal Vision Records, who were excited enough by their demo material to offer them the backing they needed to get everything well and truly moving. Guitarist Brendan Ekstrom was the next to sign up for the cause. An obvious choice to help expand the sound of what would soon become Circa Survive, Ekstrom had played with Frangicetto in This Day Forward since 2001, and the two both got on well and inspired each other musically. "I was blown away by Brendan's presence and guitar playing from the start," says Frangicetto. "I had always known that if I were to ever start another band I would need and want him with me." Working together to further define the sonic attributes of their rapidly gestating musical project, the three set about recruiting the rest of the group. A drummer search resulted in Steve Clifford taking a seat behind the kit, while bassist Nick Beard pulled a reverse of Green's original stunt, relocating from California — where he played in Taken — to Philly to join the newly formed outfit. "Nick was the dude in Taken that had it all together and rocked like a madman. He definitely keeps our band sane and pleasant," explains Frangicetto. "We met Steve through Vadim Taver of Marigold. He knew we were looking for a drummer and gave Steve my number. He jammed with us for a week and from there it was on. He's the young funny guy of the band. He makes us laugh." With the lineup thusly solidified, the music really started to take shape, as well. What started out as a two-man collaboration quickly grew into something more. "It has become something organic," Frangicetto explains. "Something completely co-owned. Before it was Anthony's and my baby. When the other guys joined that all changed. All of the music represented a collective effort — no egos, no bullshit — not to mention some serious talent." To hone things down, the group rented a house in the area, moved in, and came up with the material that would make up their debut album, Juturna, due April 19th on Equal Vision. A mind-bending amalgamation of influences ranging from prog-rock to art-metal, it reflects both the diverse backgrounds and the common bonds of the five unique individuals who make up Circa Survive. Marked by intricate arrangements and the pristine production of Brian McTernan (Thrice, Bane, Cave In), the disc displays a band-wide chemistry that radiates from every track. It also boasts a stunning lead single in the epic "Act Appalled," along with such emotionally weighty songs as "Holding Someone's Hair Back" and "Stop the bleeping Car," both of which match the visceral qualities of their titles with their content. Clearly, fans of any of the members' former bands will be surprised — in a very good way. "It's definitely a lot more straight up rock and roll, less metal-y kind of stuff than Saosin," offers Green. "I definitely sound different than I've ever sounded, but I don't entirely know why that is. Maybe it's because I'm a little bit older. It's delicate music, but it's not too passive. It's got all this bulk to it. There's a sick amount of groove." "We really just want to bring back that quality that was extremely present in the music of the '60s and '70s," adds Frangicetto. "That urgency; the feeling that a note could change the world. That's one extreme. Another is just simply to be an artist that isn't contrived or a trend follower." Based on the story so far, of course, it would be impossible to accuse this band of being anything other than purely heartfelt. And the same can be said for their music. So, yes, this is the kind of story usually reserved for the silver screen. But this is reality — and it should serve as an inspiration to us all. Albums: The Inuit Sessions(EP): Act Appalled The Great Golden Baby Handshakes At Sunrise Juturna: Holding Someon's Hair Back Act Appalled Wish Resign The Glorious Nosebleed In Fear and Faith The Great Golden Baby Stop the Car We're All Thieves Oh, Hello Always Getting What You Want Meet Me At Montauk Band Members: Steve Clifford, Colin Frangicetto, Nick Beard, Anthony Green, Brendan Ekstrom Mod Edit: Jun 22, 12 4:34pm by EricF alternative -------------------
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zipty_109 Seeketh Maximus total posts: 5663 since: Jun 2002	Oct 19, 05 at 8:19pm ^ re: Circa Survive
	God, I hate this band, along with any post-hardcore band, especially the ones fronted by singers who have had their testicles shoved into their stomachs.
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LordMaximus In a world of compromise, some don't. Neolithic since: Feb 2002	Oct 19, 05 at 10:55pm ^ re: Circa Survive
	Did you just say that his opinion didn't matter? You can argue that his opinion did not praise the band, but you lower yourself to an authoritarian position by calling his opinion inferior. -------------------
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0Zero0 Acts 20:24 N'Somniac since: Jun 2003	Oct 19, 05 at 11:27pm ^ re: Circa Survive
	Circa Survive is one of my favorite bands (along with Anthony Green's old band, Saosin), and my friends and I just might be able to see Circa in concert with Mae early next month. Anthony Green has an amazing voice in my opinion, but I can see why people like zipty might not like the band. Circa definitely puts together a unique sound, and personally, I like it. I wasn't all that fond of them at first either, but they grew on me fast, especially since some of my friends are really into them as well. Nice choice of article you chose to put up, Hyato. I liked reading about Anthony's decision between Saosin and Circa, and how he ended up ditching the band that was already on its way to fame to be with Circa. Both bands have done fairly well and are among the most popular in their genre, though, so I guess his choice wasn't a bad one. This message was edited by 0Zero0 on Oct 19 2005. ------------------- quote Aerotrunks When you realize you no longer need Neoseeker, you will leave as well.
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zipty_109 Seeketh Maximus total posts: 5663 since: Jun 2002	Oct 20, 05 at 1:05am ^ re: Circa Survive
	quote Hyato Good for you.... Now anyone want to give any opinions that actually matter? Actually, my opinion does matter. Trust me. I love in hardcore central (x479xcorex). I'm berated with this music, constantly. Put chick pants on someone, give them the hair punk girls were wearing ten years ago, slap a guitar on them, give them breakdowns and label their lyrics "poetic" and "deep", and you have 99% of every emo/post-hardcore/hardcore/metalcore band out there. And that's what Circa Survive is. I do know what I'm talking about here. Sure, they may have a unique sound, but it's hardly unique when even three other bands are doing it (Saosin (it's especially bad when your singer used to be in a band that sounds exactly like the music you play...as a matter of fact, I know there's a CS riff that sounds almost EXACTLY like the intro to "Seven Years"), The Receiving End Of Sirens, etc). So please, excuse yourself.
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Pyroguy N'Somniac total posts: 4721 since: Jun 2004	Oct 20, 05 at 3:51am ^ re: Circa Survive
	Did you just say that Saosin sounds a lot like Circa Survive? Maybe you don't know as much as you though... Anyways, these guys aren't my favorite band, but at the same time, I haven't heard many songs. Personally, I'd pick Saosin over these guys by a lot, but that's not say that they're bad at all. Also, could anybody recommend a few good songs for me? I could really use some to check out this band a bit more. -------------------
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Hyato The Year of the Black Rainbow Two much Neo total posts: 2420 since: May 2003	Oct 20, 05 at 8:47am ^ re: Circa Survive
	quote LordMaximus Did you just say that his opinion didn't matter? You can argue that his opinion did not praise the band, but you lower yourself to an authoritarian position by calling his opinion inferior. I was joking... sorry to be mean... quote zipty_109 quote Hyato Good for you.... Now anyone want to give any opinions that actually matter? Actually, my opinion does matter. Trust me. I love in hardcore central (x479xcorex). I'm berated with this music, constantly. Put chick pants on someone, give them the hair punk girls were wearing ten years ago, slap a guitar on them, give them breakdowns and label their lyrics "poetic" and "deep", and you have 99% of every emo/post-hardcore/hardcore/metalcore band out there. And that's what Circa Survive is. I do know what I'm talking about here. Sure, they may have a unique sound, but it's hardly unique when even three other bands are doing it (Saosin (it's especially bad when your singer used to be in a band that sounds exactly like the music you play...as a matter of fact, I know there's a CS riff that sounds almost EXACTLY like the intro to "Seven Years"), The Receiving End Of Sirens, etc). So please, excuse yourself. Yes I know what you mean... But I really like Circa Survive and I know you don't considering Anthony has a high pitched voice. Though, I think that it sounds really well with the music they put up. I mean a high pitched voice with like heavy metal music wouldn't work for me. I do care about your opinion and I was joking about that last post of mine. -------------------
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zipty_109 Seeketh Maximus total posts: 5663 since: Jun 2002	Oct 20, 05 at 12:21pm ^ re: Circa Survive
	High pitched voices are fine, or at least they can be. It's the emo/falsetto combination.
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Hyato The Year of the Black Rainbow Two much Neo total posts: 2420 since: May 2003	Oct 21, 05 at 11:10am ^ re: Circa Survive
	quote pyroguy56011 Did you just say that Saosin sounds a lot like Circa Survive? Maybe you don't know as much as you though... Anyways, these guys aren't my favorite band, but at the same time, I haven't heard many songs. Personally, I'd pick Saosin over these guys by a lot, but that's not say that they're bad at all. Also, could anybody recommend a few good songs for me? I could really use some to check out this band a bit more. Well what stands Saosin out from most bands was there computerized drummer....but now their stuff is with their drummer... Songs I would recommend are... 1) Act Appalled 2) The Great Golden Baby 3) In Fear and Faith 4) Handshake At Sunrise 5) Stop the Car -------------------
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Sixth Gauge booming back at you Neolithic total posts: 6777 since: Sep 2002	Mar 23, 06 at 6:58am ^ re: Circa Survive
	Just thought I'd drop by and say that after sitting on the backburner for 4-5 months, Juturna has shot its way up to my 3rd favorite album of 2005. With_Teeth (Nine Inch Nails) and Vheissu (Thrice) being the top two. All three are beautifully written and played out albums. In Fear and Faith is by far my favorite song. Before broadening my taste in music, I was strictly a Metal/Hard Rock type of guy. So please, spare me the emo insults about this group. This band isn't anything like the cluster bleep of emo/post-hardcore bands out there. This band is progressive, experimental and a bit "spacy". When listening to several of their songs, it feels like I'm watching the intro to a James Bond movie. The intermixing of guitars really makes the music come to life, and Anthony's vocals are perfect. I'm afraid there is no other band with the sound of Circa. Saosin is post-hardcore, and their guitars are gritty and aren't melodramatic like Circa's. And I frankly don't understand how The Receiving End of Sirens got labled with an emo tag- they are just an experimental rock alternative band. I have several friends that hate the emo scene and anything related to it, but still love TREOS. Even though I don't like the comparision of Circa Survive to The Mars Volta; Circa is doing something similar to Volta, but in a different direction with a different sound. Now that we have that straightened out; I'll be going to see Circa Survive on April 12th with Saves the Day and Moneen. Not really a big fan of the bands their playing with, but for $14.50 who cares. -------------------
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Hyato The Year of the Black Rainbow Two much Neo total posts: 2420 since: May 2003	Mar 23, 06 at 3:17pm ^ re: Circa Survive
	quote Sixth Gauge Before broadening my taste in music, I was strictly a Metal/Hard Rock type of guy. So please, spare me the emo insults about this group. This band isn't anything like the cluster bleep of emo/post-hardcore bands out there. This band is progressive, experimental and a bit "spacy". When listening to several of their songs, it feels like I'm watching the intro to a James Bond movie. The intermixing of guitars really makes the music come to life, and Anthony's vocals are perfect. Ah, this is a beautifully written way of how I felt about when people say Circa is emo. The whole album is written beautifully and listening to Anthony pulls off those high notes, The Glorious Nosebleed, leaves me in awe. I envy him for having such an awesome and powerful voice. Though, the trouble with his voice is that it gets him in trouble with ignorant jackasses and immediately label him and his band emo. Though, they are so far from it... -------------------
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Sixth Gauge booming back at you Neolithic total posts: 6777 since: Sep 2002	Apr 12, 06 at 8:35pm ^ re: Circa Survive
	Circa Survive tonight. -------------------
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0Zero0 Acts 20:24 N'Somniac since: Jun 2003	Apr 12, 06 at 11:57pm ^ re: Circa Survive
	Haha, that's so awesome. I've been dying to know how Anthony Green sounds live. We weren't able to make it to the show in Texas, so I'll definitely be waiting to hear back from you. ------------------- quote Aerotrunks When you realize you no longer need Neoseeker, you will leave as well.
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Sixth Gauge booming back at you Neolithic total posts: 6777 since: Sep 2002	Apr 13, 06 at 4:14am ^ re: Circa Survive
	Very impressed. Anthony Green sounds exactly the same live as he does on recordings. It was awesome the way they came onto stage. You have all the other band members setting up their equipment, all while I'm sitting there saying "Where's my guy?". The lights go off on the stage, Anthony steps up to the mic, spotlight goes on and he busts into a 30 second solo and then straight into Handshakes at Sunrise. Local band was pretty generic. Moneen was pretty solid, and ridiculous animated [twas awesome]. And Saves the Day is not my thing at all, so I give them an F. -------------------
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Revolution27 i love [zoe]{zoe}<zoe> Still Seekin' since: Jul 2003	Apr 16, 06 at 5:26am ^ re: Circa Survive
	I liked Saosin, and I have heard about these guys for a while, and was told that they were better then Saosin, so I decided to listen. And I'm not sure if I like them more or less than Saosin, but I really like their stuff. It doesn't sound like Saosin, except for the vocals, which is probably what most people listen to and say, "Oh it's the exact same". But despite all that bullshit, I can safely say, Circa Survive rocks. ------------------- .myspace.
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