ALBUM REVIEW: Nine – Russian Circles
Post-rock behemoths RUSSIAN CIRCLES make a welcome return with their ninth album, the aptly titled Nine. A record which sees the band go even further with their vast soundscapes and the sonic peaks that they reach, something that they have been honing ever since they started. Like a fine wine that gets better with age, Nine is another prime example of this.
The brooding Borehole opens proceedings with a song that is indicative of its title, with a probing groove that instills itself right into your brain and remains there for the entire duration of the song. It is evident from the get-go that RUSSIAN CIRCLES are back with a vengeance, and that their music is continually growing and reaching new sonic plateaus.
The direct heaviness of Empath, the first single to be released from Nine, takes the immense sonic levels even higher as RUSSIAN CIRCLES lock into a groove that showcases the sheer strength of their music, with guitarist Mike Sullivan, bassist Dave Turncrantz and drummer Brian Cook channeling the soul of the track in intense fashion. The electronic influence that is a crucial part of the music of the band’s musical DNA comes to the fore straight away for next track Eluvial. Here, the band present a soundscape that could easily have fitted in to the score of Blade Runner and it sets the scene before colliding with a massive wall of sound to create a powerful piece of music.
Those electronic elements kick off the next track E2, with a foreboding throb that leads into something just as ominous and mind altering and that is followed immediately by the emotionally heavy Meridian, a song that builds and builds and builds before reaching a grand ending. By contrast, Arletta is a much more gentle matter and showcases a mellower side of RUSSIAN CIRCLES, and what follows is a quite beautiful piece of music, one that allows you to catch your breath with its change of pace, executed in a sublime matter.
Nine’s closing track, Seventh Seal is a different proposition altogether, once again demonstrating the eclectic nature of their music, all the while remaining cohesive with what they do. As Brian Cook’s pummelling drums announce the arrival of a driving, primal groove, it takes you on another thrilling journey. As a sonic annihilation, it is right up there with the heaviest tracks that RUSSIAN CIRCLES have ever produced and ends this record brilliantly, leaving you wanting more.
Nine is the most comprising and hypnotic RUSSIAN CIRCLES album to date and sees the band on scorching form throughout. There is music that is captivating, then there is the music of RUSSIAN CIRCLES. Music which takes you on a one of a kind journey. Nine is a stunning reflection of that experience.
Rating: 9/10
Nine is out now via Sargent House.
Like RUSSIAN CIRCLES on Facebook.