Russian Circles - Geneva [Album]

Suicide Squeez

October 28, 2009, 01:25 AM

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With the likes of Isis, Red Sparrows, Jiju, Mono, Pelican and Mogwai (the list could go on) running circles around the ambient experimental market, do we need any more instrumental long johns in our draws? Yes, yes we do. Oddly enough, most of these groups seem to have three members, Russian Circles are no exception.

It's quite baffling to imagine such a small amount of members creating such an epic sound. Such noises that are full of power and aggression, juxtaposed with violins and uplifting harmonies makes you sit and ponder. There are so many layers within "Geneva" that it's difficult to imagine this being performed live. Russian Circles and the aforementioned bands can get caught in the ever so easy trap of creating the simple soft-to-loud dynamics. This is what they are all doing, so the effect is kind of drowning out. Live performances are always breathtaking using this dynamic, however with an album it's a lot more difficult, so song after song containing the same aesthetic becomes quite placid. Fortunately the song-writing from Russian Circles is very unique, they tease with this expectancy of what it should sound like, and then deliver just at the right moments.

Those of you into your geography and this so called "Earth," will know a little placed name "Geneva." Situated right on the end of Switzerland's west coast. Having not travelled there myself I have no judgement on what the place looks like, but Russian Circles present an imagery of beauty and calm. Google Geneva, and you find some lovely picturesque landscapes. This may not be what it looks like but I would love to think so (saying that, I'm sure if you Google Blackpool it will come up with some incredible sights).

On the whole "Geneva" is dominantly hammered out at a fast pace. With drummer Dave Turncrantz demolishing some heavy beats and ridiculous fills. Dave is used as the anchor to hold everything down and prevent it from sinking into a pool of metal mess. Opener 'Fathom' introduces Turncrantz' skills using rock fall of tom fills and basic patterns fitted alongside high pitched atmospheric twinges of guitar. Brian Cook's bass shakes the whole sound spectrum with his distorted rumbles and thuds of gritty bass stabs. Guitarist Mike Sullivan then plays off these twangs to make the listener uncomfortable using some discerning chords. When you're just about to lose the plot you are brought back in with the inevitable harmonious contrast.

An interesting technique is used by Turncrantz on track three 'Melee.' Dave uses the rim of his snare as a tempo tap and beat to begin the musical display. His rim shots underlay the whole opening, that is then masked with deep, dark bass lines. A kind of count-in system if you like.

'Hexed All,' 'When The Mountain Comes To Muhammad' and 'Philos' are the only real consistent mellow songs on the whole of "Geneva." Throughout the album you are just wishing that Sigur Ros would make a surprise entrance with Jose's vocal dreams, they just seem to have that landscape vibe. Instead a hidden vocal sample lays out in the background adding to the dark, rotten edge of the Russian Circles personality.

Inevitably this genre is a hit or miss for the music polls. Russian Circles - "Geneva" is a definite "yes" if you like bands like Pelican and want to try something with a little more edge and twist.

Simple as that.

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