It's not unexpected that "On Letting Go" is easily one of the best releases of the year so far in any genre. 

Circa Survive blew us all away with their full length debut in 2005, "Juturna" which happens to be my favorite release of that year. Circa consists of Anthony Green, original vocalist of Saosin, as well as Nick Beard, ex-bassist of Taken, two guys from the underrated metal core band, This Day Forward and a newbie who has definitely made his mark with this band.

"On Letting Go" intertwines effects-driven "screaming" guitars, as they call them, which I must say is a very fitting name, with well a composed rhythm section and the powerful voice of new star, Anthony Green. Anthony's agonizing wails capture a certain sense of depression and desperation, while still remaining insanely pleasing to the ear. The catchy lyrics and wonderful vocal melodies keep the album from feeling down in the dumps although the overall vibe at first listen would be just that.

The guitars on this album really blow away what the band got started with on the first record. On "Juturna", the songwriting was phenomenal but the songs tended to all maintain a very similar feel. On this one, the guitars travel to new places and build seperate personalities over each song, taking you for much more of a ride throughout. For me, they are very visual. The guitars bring forward streaming waves of sonic colors swimming around you and inviting you to enjoy them. Some of you may be able to catch what I'm talking about, some may need a more "creative mind".

The drumming has become more varied and improved upon as well. Same goes with the bass lines. There are far more standout bass lines on this album. They are much more prevalent and play a more important role then on the first album. It seems the pair of him and the drummer have really gotten down the rhythm section to a T on this one.

Standout tracks to me are the obvious "In The Morning and Amazing" which I think is the best single on the record and one of the best songs overall, with the intense music and the catchiest chorus boasting "This is wrong, THIS IS WRONG. And I cannot sleep without the radio on". Then there's the MySpace single, "The Difference Between..." which is the other best single on the album, with another ultra-catchy chorus easy for anyone to relate to and a simple song structure to follow.

My favorite moments on the entire album come in the form of the 8th song, "Kicking Your Crosses Down", which is a moody sway-bringer that focuses on clean guitar tones and a groove you'll find yourself dancing to a little bit. It is not only the prettiest song on the record but one of Circa Survive's crowning creative achievements thus far in their career.

The other highlight of the record comes in the finale. The final track "Your Friends Are Gone" starts out in an awkward place, but ends with the most epic moment they've delivered us yet, and the most depressing album closing I think I may have ever heard. Anthony explodes with the music in the finale, "All of your friends are gone. And you were barely holding on. And nobody cares". The album ends on this note.

"On Letting Go" is an album to let yourself get lost and drown in. Thanks to the near-perfect production we can let this happen. Each instrument stands out on its own and plays its role in the songs the way it needs to. All in a soothing reverberated wave of sound, like I stated. So whether you're going out for a cruise on the strip, crying over a hot porn star girlfriend that dumped you, or popping some pills and getting naked with your favorite fuck buddy, this album can perfectly fit the mood. Cry to it, masturbate to it, or sing a long and enjoy the feeling of ecstasy this band provides.

4 out of 5 Stars 

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