ALBUM REVIEW: Two Dreams – Circa Survive

CIRCA SURVIVE are known as post-hardcore legends, and the announcement of their ‘indefinite hiatus’ is nothing but heart-breaking for their fans and the scene. Luckily, they’re leaving us with Two Dreams, a collection of the two EPs that were released earlier this year. This will be a full-length album available both digitally and physically, and will consolidate their hiatus. Because of this, expectations are high, and it is hoped Two Dreams will bring some sort of closure to CIRCA SURVIVE‘s successful time as a band.

Opening the first half of the album is Imposter Syndrome, a moody, calm song with an underlying tension. Kicking in with vocalist Anthony Green’s powerful voice, it’s distinctly CIRCA SURVIVE. The whole song feels like it’s introducing something, and while this track is from the A Dream About Love part of the album, its lyrics are surprisingly sad and desperate. Drift comes next, and with an ambient introduction and emotional lyrics, the high point is Green’s voice. As the song builds, the vocals get more powerful, and the emotion in his voice increases.

We finally get the guitars we’ve been waiting for on Our Last Shot, bringing a sense of drama. The use of percussion is unique, but it fits the song well. Gone For Good is one of the most memorable tracks on the album, and its calm, gentle sound is a welcome change. The lyrics are sad but tell a story of acceptance, which seems to sum up this first half, and they’re cleverly written. Sleep Well is a definite reflection of its title, with a dream-like ambience that is simultaneously peaceful and empty sounding. The piano stands out, and it ends up sounding really beautiful.

While the aim is to view Two Dreams as one complete album rather than two separate EPs, it’s difficult to not notice the beginning of A Dream About Death when Electric Moose kicks in. The difference is clear immediately, and ironically it feels a lot more upbeat, with the painful lamenting now gone from the vocals. The chorus is more assertive, with harsher but more confident lyrics. The electronica style and use of synths is a huge change, but this contrast definitely elevates the album.

The other difference between the two halves is that while the first half feels more experimental, the second comes across more typical of the band, and Latenap and Buzzhenge are examples of this. With the intense drums and powerful guitars, the instruments specifically are more expected of CIRCA SURVIVE. This means that the album as a whole does turn out to be pretty good closure: it’s different enough to stay exciting, but also familiar. Of course, the lyrics are incredible throughout, and towards the end they begin to come full circle, feeling stronger and creating a satisfying balance.

Although the change halfway through does feel abrupt, Two Dreams makes sense as a full-length album, with the lyrics documenting growth and a complete journey. While a slightly heavier sound could have been more satisfying, this relaxed, downbeat style does seem like a natural progression for the band, and makes for an incredibly emotional experience. While it is heart-breaking to think that this could be the end for CIRCA SURVIVE, this album ensures they won’t be forgotten easily.

Rating: 8/10

Two Dreams is set for release on December 16th via Rise Records.

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