Hubbry Logo
Circa SurviveCirca SurviveMain
Open search
Circa Survive
Community hub
Circa Survive
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Circa Survive
Circa Survive
Circa Survive
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Circa Survive was an American rock band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was formed in 2004 by lead vocalist Anthony Green and guitarist Colin Frangicetto, joined soon after by guitarist Brendan Ekstrom, bassist Nick Beard and drummer Steve Clifford.

Key Information

Green was the former lead singer of Saosin. The band's debut album Juturna was released in 2005 on Equal Vision Records, as was its follow-up On Letting Go. Their third album Blue Sky Noise was released in 2010 on Atlantic Records. For their fourth album Violent Waves in 2012, the band went independent. Their final two albums, Descensus (2014) and The Amulet (2017), were released on Sumerian and Hopeless Records, respectively.

In 2022, Circa Survive announced an indefinite hiatus. Green confirmed in 2025 that it was a permanent disbandment. Following the breakup, Green became the lead vocalist of the supergroup L.S. Dunes.

History

[edit]

Formation and The Inuit Sessions (2004–2005)

[edit]

Vocalist Anthony Green left the band Saosin, in 2004, later noting "the big thing was that I was just scared. I was scared of committing".[1] Green met up with Colin Frangicetto, a friend with whom he had "jammed" during his stay, and they decided to begin recording and recruiting. Thus, Circa Survive was born.

Frangicetto and Green, with full support from Equal Vision Records, then recruited Brendan Ekstrom. Ekstrom had been Frangicetto's bandmate in This Day Forward, which had recently disbanded. Both Ekstrom and Frangicetto had toured with Taken during their This Day Forward days, and procured Nick Beard, the previous bass guitarist of Taken, as Circa Survive's next member. The band met Stephen Clifford through Vadim Taver of the band Marigold (and also from This Day Forward); "Steve jammed with us for a week and from there it was on," said Frangicetto.

Juturna (2005–2006)

[edit]
Main article: Juturna (album)

Juturna, Circa Survive's first album, was released on April 19, 2005, in the United States and on January 31, 2006, in Japan on Equal Vision Records. It had been initially announced via the band's MySpace page in November 2004. Details as to its sound remained vague, although the band stated they would keep their fans posted via their website, MySpace page, PureVolume page, and YouTube page. Shortly before its official release, the album was posted on their MySpace page in its entirety. Juturna peaked at No. 183 on the Billboard 200.[2] The album was produced by Brian McTernan at Salad Days Studios in Baltimore.

The band drew inspiration for the album from House of Leaves and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. During an online Q&A session on April 20, 2010, Brendan dismissed the claim that Juturna was a concept album based on Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, but did say that there is an underlying concept. That concept is speculated by fans to be vaguely about human memories. "Oh, Hello" exemplifies this with its lyrics. The decision to call the album's bonus track that appears after "Meet Me In Montauk" and the silence that follows it at 8:56, "House of Leaves" was more or less a joint one by the band and their fans. Various members of the band have stated that they have read at least some portion of the book over the years since its 2000 release.

The album's sound is characterized by its prominent utilization of effects-laden, dual guitar melodies over polyrhythmic percussion. The guitarists' approach to songwriting takes on characteristics of jazz and shoegaze music. The album has since gone on to be considered massively influential to the post-hardcore community. Members of the band have recently recognized King Crimson, Björk, Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra, and Godspeed You! Black Emperor as influences on the album's sound.

On Letting Go (2007–2008)

[edit]
Main article: On Letting Go

On Letting Go is Circa Survive's second album. Released on May 29, 2007, by Equal Vision Records, the album entered the U.S. Billboard 200 at #24, selling about 24,000 copies in its first week. Up to July 11, 2007, it had sold 51,357 copies in the U.S. alone.[2]

As with previous albums, Esao Andrews designed the artwork and Brian McTernan produced the album. The band's sound did not radically change with this release. It was still polished and refined, with guitars and drums much tighter (but still meandering when needed to) and bass more prominent. Lyrically, the band "...evokes an era when hazy lyricism and reckless introspection were prerequisites for legitimacy and timelessness."[3]

In spring 2008, Circa Survive released an On Letting Go B-side, "1,000 Witnesses", to fans through the charity Invisible Children in an effort to raise money for the cause. In June 2008, they also released the B-side "The Most Dangerous Commercials" as a charity download to help support the relocation of local music shop Siren Records, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

Blue Sky Noise and Appendage (2008–2010)

[edit]
Main article: Blue Sky Noise

After supporting Thrice and Pelican for their spring 2008 tour, Circa Survive returned to Philadelphia to write for the then-untitled third album. A short leg of shows in the Eastern U.S. occurred in late 2008 and four shows were played in Southern California in February 2009. After that, the band did not tour again until the tentatively planned headlining tour for their forthcoming third album. Anthony Green's growth as a guitarist played a major role on Blue Sky Noise, which the band framed as an entirely "new chapter".[4]

On August 3, Circa Survive stated that they had begun recording their third album in Toronto and had chosen David Bottrill as producer. They also stated, "After completing our contract with Equal Vision we embarked on a long search to find our next home. We met with lots of labels and decided that Atlantic Records is the best place for us to continue our growth as a band and to help us release our music around the world."

Circa Survive on tour supporting Blue Sky Noise November 24, 2010

On Twitter, they stated that they would be recording 16 songs, but that they would not all be on the album. However, they said they would release them all somehow.[5] They posted eight video updates showing some song teases.[6] Studio recording was completed at the end of October 2009 and mixing was completed on February 1, 2010, by Rich Costey.

On February 16, 2010, they announced their new album would be titled Blue Sky Noise, and would be released on April 20, 2010. The album could be pre-purchased, and those who did so received a digital copy of the album a week early, and the first single, "Get Out", instantly. The album entered the Billboard 200 at No. 11, the band's highest position.[2]

On October 18, 2010, Myspace Transmissions released a live EP of the band playing five tracks from Blue Sky Noise as well as a cover of the Nirvana song, "Scentless Apprentice".

Circa Survive's second EP, Appendage, was released on November 30, 2010. It contains five tracks: "Sleep Underground" (Demo), "Stare Like You'll Stay", "Everyway", "Backmask" and "Lazarus".

Violent Waves (2012–2014)

[edit]
Main article: Violent Waves

On April 16, 2012, Circa Survive began recording their fourth record, "Violent Waves".[7] On June 25, 2012, Circa launched the Violent Waves Pre-Order webpage, officially announcing the album's title and release date, August 28, 2012, along with a new song titled "Suitcase". The band also confirmed that the album would be self-released.[8] Green said in 2020 that Atlantic Records offered them less money to record Violent Waves because Blue Sky Noise did not meet sales expectations, so the band opted to go the independent route instead.[9]

On March 3, 2014, it was announced via Pitchfork that Circa Survive would be releasing a 7-inch vinyl record split with the band Sunny Day Real Estate for Record Store Day 2014 (April 19). The split features "Lipton Witch" by Sunny Day Real Estate - their first new song in 14 years - and "Bad Heart" by Circa Survive, a b-side that was recorded after the release of 2012's "Violent Waves" album.[10]

Descensus (2014–2016)

[edit]
Main article: Descensus (album)

In mid April 2014, Circa Survive once again entered Studio 4 in Conshohocken, PA to record their fifth album with producer/engineer Will Yip. They recorded 11 songs during the sessions and concluded recording by the end of May. On May 19, 2014, during a Saosin interview at Skate and Surf, Anthony Green stated that Circa Survive "have a new record coming out, hopefully in the fall, I mean I fucking shouldn't even say that, probably".[11] On April 19, 2014, the band released a split EP release with Sunny Day Real Estate titled Sunny Day Real Estate / Circa Survive Split 7".

On August 15, 2014, the band announced their signing to Sumerian Records for the release of the fifth album and also a reissue of their fourth album Violent Waves.[12] In an Alternative Press interview published in August 2014, Green said, "Well, the next Circa record is done. We’re in the final process of getting the final mixes right now." "It’s definitely the most aggressive Circa record we’ve ever made. It’s the first record of ours I’ve been able to listen to front to back without having that song that I’m like, 'Yeah, I could’ve done better here.' Every song has this moment in it that makes me feel ridiculous. I feel like I just outdid myself. I feel like we did better than we did before."[13]

The album, entitled Descensus was released on November 24, 2014. The album art was once again made by Esao Andrews. On October 27, 2014, the band released the first single and music video from Descensus titled "Schema". The second single "Only the Sun" was shown on November 5, 2014. Its video features visuals used in the tour for the album with Title Fight, Tera Melos and Pianos Become the Teeth.[citation needed]

In January 2017 the band began a tour to celebrate ten years of 'On Letting Go' with support from MewithoutYou and Turnover.[14]

The Amulet (2017–2021)

[edit]

On July 10, 2017, the band announced their next LP The Amulet. Alongside the announcement they released a single titled "Lustration" with accompanying music video.[15] The album was released on September 22, 2017, through Hopeless Records. On August 10, 2017, the band released its second music video single "Rites of Investiture". On August 30, 2017, they released their third and title track single "The Amulet". Shortly before the LP's release on September 14, 2017, the band released its final music video single "Premonition of the Hex".

The band announced a co-headlining tour with Thrice, accompanied by Balance and Composure and Chon, across North America beginning in San Jose on November 2.[16]

In October 2018, the band released two songs called "Dark Pools" and "Indras Net" for the upcoming deluxe edition of "The Amulet" on November 2, 2018. As well as a video for the song "Flesh and Bone".

Two Dreams and breakup (2021–2022)

[edit]

On June 4, 2021, the band teased a new single during the credits of the Live Sky Noise livestream. On October 8, the band would release the single as Imposter Syndrome and announced an EP coming later that month.

On October 22, 2021, the band released A Dream About Love, followed by A Dream About Death on February 4, 2022. These EPs represent a slight departure from the band's established sound, embracing a more electronic approach.

On August 30, 2022, the band announced that their members would be transitioning away from Circa Survive as their full-time job, leading to speculation on the band’s future. Green would clarify on his Twitter page that the group had not disbanded. However, on October 18, 2022, the band confirmed they were taking an indefinite hiatus.[17]

A statement from the band was shared:

Many of you have asked where things stand with us and to be totally transparent, our future is currently uncertain. For the time being, we're considering Circa on an indefinite hiatus. We want to thank you for all your love and support, especially over the last few years which were the hardest we have ever had to endure. Extra special thanks to the creatures.

On October 19, 2022, Circa Survive announced they would combine both "Dream" EPs and re-release them as the band's seventh studio album titled Two Dreams due out December 16, 2022. The album release will be accompanied by live session videos.[18][19]

In December 2025, Green admitted that the band's hiatus was actually a breakup, stemming from his relapse in 2022.[20]

Influences

[edit]

According to lead singer Anthony Green, Circa Survive have been influenced by Deftones, Thrice, Paul Simon, dredg, and Björk.[21][22] Green cites Nirvana as a major influence, with Circa Survive frequently performing covers of Nirvana songs.[citation needed] Green stated that one of his favorite albums is Mapping an Invisible World by Days Away.[21]

Throughout their musical career, but particularly with respect to their first album Juturna, the 2004 film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind has been a large influence on Circa Survive. The album's hidden track is based on the Mark Z. Danielewski novel House of Leaves, lending it an unofficial title. Lyrically, their third album Blue Sky Noise is based on Green's struggles with mental illness, with many of the lyrics written during his voluntary three-week stay in a mental health facility.[23]

Band members

[edit]

Final members[24]

Session/touring members

Touring and performing

[edit]

Circa Survive has toured on several occasions, including national tours within the United States. They toured in winter 2005 with My Chemical Romance and Thrice. That summer they co-headlined a tour. Circa Survive has also opened for Mutemath, Mae and Dredg on each of their headlining tours. Circa Survive played The Bamboozle festival in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2011 in New Jersey.[25] They also played a few dates on The Vans Warped Tour in 2005. In early 2006, they embarked on a tour of Europe with Coheed and Cambria and Thrice, after having previously completed a tour in September 2005 with Motion City Soundtrack. They also toured with Saves The Day, Moneen and Pistolita. In summer 2006, they embarked on their first headlining tour, The Twilight Army Tour, with The Receiving End of Sirens, Days Away, Portugal. The Man, YouInSeries and Keating. Then in fall 2006, they went on tour with Thursday, Rise Against and Billy Talent. The band also played on the Rockstar Alternative Press Tour headlining with Cute Is What We Aim For, and with supporting act As Tall As Lions.

In April 2007, Circa Survive played at the Coachella arts and music festival in Indio, California. In summer 2007, the band played the entire Vans Warped Tour alongside bands such as Coheed and Cambria, The Used, Anberlin and Bad Religion. Circa Survive opened for My Chemical Romance's 2007 shows in Worcester and Australian and New Zealand shows as well. Circa Survive opened as the main support for Thirty Seconds to Mars September 14, 2007, at the Brixton Academy. Circa Survive completed touring with Ours, Fear Before, with Dear and the Headlights and The Dear Hunter in November, 2007. On New Year's Eve 2007 they had a coming home show with Thursday and The Gaslight Anthem played at The Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey. The band is in the Kerrang! 2008 Tour with Madina Lake, Coheed and Cambria and Fightstar. It was announced on January 24, 2008, that Circa Survive would be going on a spring 2008 tour with Thrice and Pelican.[26]

Circa Survive has been known to incorporate other visual elements to performances. Anthony Green frequently wore dresses to outdoor music festivals, most notably The Bamboozle in 2006 and The Vans Warped Tour in 2007.[27] The band's on Letting Go tour included a silent film projected above the band.[28]

In 2010, after mixing for Blue Sky Noise was completed in February, Circa Survive began performing shows in the midwest United States in March, often accompanied by Good Old War and The Christmas Lights. The band performed at the annual SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, from March 18 to 24. They also performed in Anaheim at the Hoodwink Festival on March 26 and at The Bamboozle on March 27. One month later, following the release of Blue Sky Noise on April 20, Circa Survive embarked on an extended tour with Coheed and Cambria and Torche, beginning in Charlotte, North Carolina, on April 22 and ending on May 29 in Atlantic City. On June 19, 2010, Circa Survive performed at Santa Monica Beach at the Pac Sun Beach Ballyhoo event, which was shut down early due to overcrowding before the band could perform their last two songs. After an eleven-day U.S. west coast tour in late July, Circa Survive embarked on a September European tour with Middle Class Rut, beginning in Hamburg, Germany, on September 6 and ending in Nottingham, England, on September 18. Their show in London on September 15 was streamed live over the Internet and attracted more than 43,000 viewers online.[29]

They then went on their U.S. Blue Sky Noise tour with Animals as Leaders, Dredg and Codeseven. The tour began on October 15, 2010, in Hartford, Connecticut, and concluded on December 13 in Bakersfield, California. They begin touring with Anberlin and Foxy Shazam in January 2011. On February 17, 2011, Circa Survive performed with Timeout Jimmy at the Rutgers Student Center at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. They also opened for Linkin Park during the A Thousand Suns Tour for their shows in Dallas and Houston, Texas.

Circa Survive toured with My Chemical Romance as their opening act along with Architects. Both bands opened for My Chemical Romance for the North American leg of The World Contamination Tour.

Circa Survive went on their Violent Waves tour, which began on September 13, 2012, in New Haven, Connecticut, and ended on October 27, 2012, in Sayreville, New Jersey. Balance and Composure, O'Brother, and Touché Amoré went along as their opening acts. They had 33 shows for this tour. After 6, they played in Atlanta, Georgia for the Nervous Energies Session. They then continued the Violent Waves tour. They had 2 Record Release shows for the new album, both in August.

In April 2013, Circa Survive toured Malaysia, Singapore and the Pulp Summer Slam XIII "Til Death Do Us Part" rock festival in Manila, Philippines, on April 27, 2013. The Manila concert featured Circa Survive along with Dragonforce, Amoral, Cannibal Corpse, Coheed and Cambria, As I Lay Dying, A Skylit Drive and 4 local Filipino bands. On April 26, 2013, Circa Survive attended a press conference with Dragonforce and Amoral to promote the Manila rock festival.[30][31]

Circa Survive announced that they would be co-headlining with Minus the Bear, along with opening act Now, Now, in the "Waves Overhead" tour. This tour began March 6, 2013, and ended March 30, 2013.

On October 16, 2013, Circa Survive announced a special end-of-the-year show on Saturday, December 28, 2013, at the Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles.[32] The band will be "playing an extended set of favorites from all of our albums, along with a few rarities and special guests" and will be filming the show for release in 2014. The show was released on DVD included with the Violent Waves reissue released by Sumerian Records on September 9, 2014.

On January 6, 2015, it was announced that Circa Survive would perform on Day 3 (April 12 & 19) of the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in Indio, California.[33]

On January 29, 2015, the band announced they would be touring in the Spring of 2015 with Balance and Composure again and Chon.

On October 11, 2016, the band announced their On Letting Go Ten Year Anniversary Tour with MewithoutYou and Turnover.[34] On this tour, the band's setlist was composed of the songs from On Letting Go, in the same order as they are presented on the album, interspersed with B-sides and unreleased songs from the writing process.

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Circa Survive discography

Music videos

[edit]
  • "Act Appalled" (live montage) (2005) from Juturna
  • "Act Appalled" (2006) from Juturna
  • "In Fear And Faith" (live montage) (2006) from Juturna
  • "The Difference Between Medicine and Poison Is in the Dose" (2007) from On Letting Go
  • "Get Out" (Live Montage) (2010) from Blue Sky Noise
  • "Imaginary Enemy" (2010) from Blue Sky Noise
  • "Suitcase" (2012) from Violent Waves
  • "Sharp Practice" (2012) from Violent Waves
  • "Schema" (2014) from Descensus
  • "Only the Sun" (2014) from "Descensus"
  • "Child Of The Desert" (2015) from Descensus
  • "Lustration" (2017) from The Amulet
  • "Rites of Investiture" (2017) from The Amulet
  • "The Amulet" (2017) from The Amulet
  • "Premonition of the Hex" (2017) from The Amulet
  • "Flesh and Bone" (2018) from The Amulet
  • "Imposter Syndrome" (2021) from A Dream About Love EP
  • "Electric Moose" (2022) from A Dream About Death EP

Equipment

[edit]

Guitar Rig & Signal Flow

[edit]
  • Brendan Ekstrom plays Melancon hand made guitars which are located near New Orleans U.S.A.[31]
  • A detailed gear diagram of Brendan Ekstrom's 2011 Circa Survive guitar rig is well-documented.[35]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Circa Survive

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Circa Survive was an American alternative rock band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, formed in 2004 by vocalist Anthony Green and guitarist Colin Frangicetto, blending post-hardcore, progressive rock, and art rock elements in their ethereal, atmospheric sound. The band's core lineup consisted of Green, guitarists Frangicetto and Brendan Ekstrom, bassist Nick Beard, and drummer Steve Clifford, with their music often featuring Green's soaring falsetto vocals and intricate guitar work. Over their nearly two-decade career, Circa Survive released six studio albums, beginning with their debut Juturna in 2005 on Equal Vision Records and ending with The Amulet in 2017, alongside several EPs, compilations like the 2022 release Two Dreams (which combined their final two EPs), and live recordings that solidified their cult following in the post-hardcore scene. Notable releases include On Letting Go (2007), Blue Sky Noise (2010), Violent Waves (2012), Descensus (2014), and The Amulet (2017), which showcased evolving production and lyrical themes of introspection and surrealism. After touring extensively and building a dedicated fanbase through festival appearances and merchandise-driven community engagement, the band entered an indefinite hiatus in October 2022, around the time of announcing their final release Two Dreams. In May 2025, frontman Anthony Green confirmed the permanent disbandment via a social media post, stating that "the band as you knew it is gone forever," marking the end of Circa Survive's active era.

History

Formation and early releases (2004–2006)

Circa Survive was formed in 2004 in , by vocalist Anthony Green and guitarist Colin Frangicetto following Green's departure from in February of that year. Green, who cited homesickness as a key reason for leaving , sought a creative outlet for more experimental sounds, drawing on Frangicetto's experience from the band This Day Forward. The duo soon recruited bassist Nick Beard, lead guitarist Brendan Ekstrom, and drummer to complete the initial lineup. In early 2005, the band entered Studio in , to record their debut EP, The Inuit Sessions, produced and mixed by for the first three tracks and Vince Ratti for the fourth. Released on March 18, 2005, through , the four-track EP featured songs like "Act Appalled" and "Handshakes at Sunrise," with the latter including guest contributions from drummer T.J. Dublois and bassist Jon Gartland. The release captured the band's raw, emotive style and helped build early buzz through limited distribution and online sharing in the community. Shortly after, Circa Survive signed with and recorded their debut full-length album, , again at Salad Days Studio with producer . Released on April 19, 2005, the album included standout tracks such as "" and "The Difference Between Medicine and Poison Is in the Dose," blending intricate guitar work with Green's soaring, falsetto-driven vocals to explore themes of emotional vulnerability and interpersonal conflict. debuted at number 183 on the chart on May 7, 2005, selling approximately 74,900 copies by mid-2006 and marking the band's entry into wider recognition within the alternative rock scene. To promote these early releases, Circa Survive focused on efforts, playing intimate club shows across the Northeast and opening for established acts in the genre, which fostered a dedicated initial fanbase through word-of-mouth and MySpace-era connectivity. These foundational years solidified the band's reputation for dynamic live performances and set the stage for their creative evolution in subsequent works.

Rise to prominence (2007–2010)

Circa Survive's second studio album, , was released on May 29, 2007, through . The record marked a significant evolution in the band's sound, blending elements with more atmospheric and melodic structures compared to their debut. It received widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers highlighting its emotional depth and production quality, often describing it as one of the standout releases in the genre that year. The , "Living Together," served as the album opener and was promoted heavily, encapsulating the band's introspective lyricism and dynamic instrumentation. During this period, the band's lineup stabilized, with Brendan Ekstrom contributing as the second guitarist alongside Colin Frangicetto. This configuration allowed for richer guitar interplay that defined their evolving style. The band's major-label debut, , arrived on April 20, 2010, via , and was produced by David Bottrill, known for his work with artists like Tool and . The album showcased a polished yet aggressive sound, peaking at No. 11 on the chart and selling 28,000 copies in its first week. Its success elevated Circa Survive's profile, bridging underground appeal with broader commercial reach. Complementing , the EP was released digitally on November 30, 2010, through , featuring five tracks recorded during the same sessions, including b-sides and a demo version of "Sleep Underground." These selections leaned into more experimental territories, with ambient textures and unconventional structures that expanded on the album's themes without diluting its intensity.

Mid-career evolution (2012–2016)

Following the release of their third album in 2010, Circa Survive entered a brief period of reduced activity, allowing members to pursue individual endeavors amid a shift away from their previous label, . Frontman Anthony Green released his debut solo album, Pixie Queen, in July 2012, which featured more intimate and electronic-leaning explorations of personal vulnerability, influencing the band's subsequent creative direction. This interlude marked a transitional phase, enabling the group to regroup independently and experiment with self-production for the first time. The band's fourth album, Violent Waves, emerged from this period as a self-released effort on August 28, , recorded at in . Produced by the band alongside engineer , the record delved into introspective themes of isolation and emotional turmoil, exemplified in tracks like the sprawling opener "Birth of the Economic Hit Man" and the urgent "Sharp Practice," which served as the with its accompanying . Critics praised the album's evolution toward a more experimental and atmospheric sound, blending elements with Green's soaring, emotive vocals, resulting in a mature progression from the accessibility of Blue Sky Noise. noted how it embraced the group's "more experimental side," while Consequence of Sound highlighted its "piercing, androgynous voice" and dynamic structures that evoked hazy introspection. The album received positive reception, with PropertyOfZack commending its return to "sprawling soundscapes" and sophisticated dynamics, solidifying Circa Survive's reputation for artistic growth. In 2014, Circa Survive signed with , which reissued Violent Waves as a deluxe edition with a live DVD before the band delivered their fifth , Descensus, on November 24. Self-produced by the group with Yip at the same studio, Descensus amplified the heavier production elements introduced earlier, incorporating denser riffs, pulsating rhythms, and electronic textures for a more aggressive yet nuanced palette. Singles like "Only the Sun" showcased this intensity, with Green's lyrics grappling with desire and loss amid propulsive builds, while tracks such as "" and "Child of the Desert" further fused aggression with progressive experimentation. Reviews acclaimed the 's bold maturation, with Diffuser.fm describing it as "inherently cohesive" despite its variety, and Renowned for Sound lauding its "well-produced" intensity that refused to settle into convention. This era underscored Circa Survive's mid-career pivot toward independence and sonic innovation, earning widespread recognition for refining their blend of drive and progressive depth.

Final albums and activities (2017–2022)

In 2017, Circa Survive released their sixth studio album, The Amulet, on September 22 through . The album marked a return to more melodic and atmospheric elements following the heavier, experimental sound of their prior release Descensus, incorporating influences from across the band's with themes exploring personal struggles like and alongside broader existential motifs. Produced by , it featured singles such as "Lustration," released in July, and "Rites of Investiture," which highlighted the band's signature blend of and . The record received praise for its emotional depth and dynamic song structures, solidifying Circa Survive's reputation for introspective lyricism led by vocalist Anthony Green. Following a period of relative quiet, the band announced the EP A Dream About Love in October 2021, releasing it on October 22 via . Also produced by , the six-track effort delved into themes of introspection and relationships, with tracks like "Imposter Syndrome" showcasing layered instrumentation and Green's soaring vocals. This was swiftly followed by the companion EP A Dream About Death on February 4, 2022, through the same label, continuing the exploratory sound with heavier riffs and ambient textures on songs such as "Electric Moose." In December 2022, Circa Survive compiled both EPs into the full-length album Two Dreams, released on December 16 via , presenting a cohesive narrative arc from hope to finality across its 12 tracks. During the , Circa Survive enhanced fan engagement through a platform launched in early 2020, offering exclusive content like demos, behind-the-scenes updates, and community interactions to sustain connection amid canceled tours. This initiative allowed direct support from over 1,000 members, fostering a sense of ongoing collaboration as the band shared unreleased material and personal insights. By the late and into the early , internal band dynamics shifted toward reduced activity, influenced by members' personal commitments and the challenges of the , leading to a focus on sporadic releases rather than full tours or albums. Frontman Anthony Green cited priorities and family life as factors in scaling back, while the core lineup—Green, guitarists Colin Frangicetto and Brendan Ekstrom, bassist Nick Beard, and drummer —remained intact but pursued individual projects. This period emphasized creative sustainability over constant output, culminating in the reflective tone of Two Dreams.

Hiatus and disbandment (2022–2025)

In October 2022, Circa Survive announced an indefinite hiatus through a statement on their page, attributing the decision to personal challenges and burnout following years of intense touring and creative demands. The band expressed gratitude to fans while noting their future as uncertain, marking the end of active operations after the culmination of activities surrounding their 2017 album The Amulet. Accompanying the announcement, the group released Two Dreams on December 16, 2022, a combining their recent EPs A Dream About Love (2021) and A Dream About Death (2022) into a single vinyl package, positioned as a capstone to their discography. This release served as a final offering to supporters, with the band confirming no additional tours or performances would follow. The hiatus persisted until May 2025, when vocalist Anthony Green confirmed the band's permanent disbandment in a now-deleted Threads post, stating that "the band as you knew it is gone forever." This declaration ended speculation about a potential reunion, solidifying the end of Circa Survive after nearly two decades. Post-hiatus, members pursued individual endeavors; Green, in particular, focused on solo projects, including new music releases and collaborations with groups like and .

Artistry

Musical style

Circa Survive's music is primarily rooted in , , and , with prominent ambient and elements that contribute to their intricate, atmospheric sound. The band's core style emphasizes through layered , where dual guitars weave complex riffs and hypnotic patterns, often escalating into expansive builds that blend aggression with . Lead vocalist Anthony Green's delivers an ethereal, high-pitched intensity that pierces through the mix, enhancing the emotional rawness of tracks. Lyrically, their work delves into themes of struggles and interpersonal relationships, drawing from Green's personal battles with and exhaustion to create introspective narratives. The band's sonic evolution is evident across their discography, beginning with the raw, emotionally charged energy of their 2005 debut , which fused emo's vulnerability with technical precision and jagged edges. By Descensus in 2014, their approach shifted toward a more experimental progressive framework, prioritizing organic flow, lush soundscapes, and restrained pacing over early aggression, resulting in a looser yet cohesive intensity. This maturation continued in The Amulet (2017), where the progressive elements dominate with polished, heavier grooves, dreamlike atmospheres, and refined emotional depth, marking a departure from roots toward broader art-rock expansiveness. Their final releases, the 2021 EP A Dream About Love and the 2022 album Two Dreams (combining that EP with additional material), further evolved this direction into more intimate, electronic-infused soundscapes with relaxed pacing and ambient textures, emphasizing personal reflection in a low-key, dreamlike manner. Critics have drawn parallels between Circa Survive and contemporaries like , noting shared emo-infused post-hardcore emotionality and melodic accessibility, while their progressive intricacies and psychedelic builds evoke The Mars Volta's ambitious, genre-defying structures.

Influences

Circa Survive's sound was significantly shaped by the post-hardcore and emo scenes of the early 2000s, particularly through frontman Anthony Green's prior experiences in and . In , Green's soaring falsetto and raw emotional delivery defined the band's melodic post-hardcore style on their 2003 EP , elements that carried over to Circa Survive's intricate vocal arrangements and dynamic range. Similarly, his time with infused a playful, punk-inflected energy into his songwriting, contributing to Circa Survive's blend of aggression and melody. A key external influence was the alternative metal band Deftones, whose fusion of heavy instrumentation with introspective lyrics resonated deeply with Green. He has credited Deftones' 2000 album White Pony with redefining his approach to heavy music, emphasizing vulnerability over constant aggression and inspiring a more nuanced emotional depth in Circa Survive's compositions. This is particularly evident in the track "Phantom" from Descensus (2014), which Green described as channeling Deftones frontman Chino Moreno's style. The band's progressive and atmospheric tendencies were also informed by classic rock acts like , whose expansive soundscapes influenced Circa Survive's experimental structures and layered production. The band further demonstrated this affinity by covering Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" during an Sessions performance in 2007. Green's involvement in side projects like expanded these influences through collaborations with musicians from , , and other post-hardcore outfits, fostering a more experimental and genre-blending approach in Circa Survive's work. The music scene, known for its tight-knit community of indie and acts, provided a formative environment for the band's early development, with local venues and DIY encouraging their raw, communal live energy.

Personnel

Core members

Anthony Green serves as the lead vocalist and a founding member of Circa Survive, having formed the band in 2004 shortly after departing from . Born on April 15, 1982, in , Green is renowned for his versatile, high-range vocal delivery and deeply personal lyrics that often explore themes of emotion, struggle, and introspection, which became hallmarks of the band's sound. His dynamic stage presence and contributions to songwriting have been pivotal in defining Circa Survive's progressive identity. Colin Frangicetto is the lead guitarist and co-founder of Circa Survive, teaming up with in 2004 after meeting at a show while Frangicetto was in the band This Day Forward. As the primary songwriter alongside Green, Frangicetto shapes the band's intricate guitar work, blending aggression with atmospheric prog elements through his melodic riffs and layered textures. Nick Beard has been the bassist since Circa Survive's inception in 2004, providing a steady rhythmic backbone that anchors the band's complex arrangements. An original member drawn from the hardcore scene, Beard's solid, groove-oriented playing supports the dual-guitar interplay and allows for the music's exploratory dynamics. Steve Clifford has been the drummer since Circa Survive's inception in 2004, remaining a consistent force through the band's tenure, contributing to all studio albums with his precise, energetic style that drives the songs' intensity and shifts. Clifford's performances emphasize polyrhythms and fills that enhance Circa Survive's progressive edge. Brendan Ekstrom serves as the rhythm guitarist and a founding member, having joined in 2004 from This Day Forward, where he had previously collaborated with Frangicetto; he later worked with Green in the experimental project The Sound of Animals Fighting. Ekstrom's addition brought fuller harmonic depth to the band's live and recorded sound, complementing Frangicetto's leads with supportive textures and occasional leads.

Touring and session musicians

Circa Survive maintained a remarkably stable core lineup throughout its history, with temporary touring musicians enhancing live performances during specific promotional periods. In 2017, during the rollout and touring for their album The Amulet, pianist, composer, and string arranger Summer Swee-Singh joined select shows as a touring . Swee-Singh, who had previously gained attention through online arrangements of the band's material, contributed live piano and coordinated string sections for instrumental accompaniments on tracks such as "Frozen Creek" and "Flesh and Bone," adding atmospheric depth to the performances. Her involvement was limited to live settings and stemmed from the band's invitation after discovering her viral medley of Circa Survive songs. Later, amid the 2021–2022 promotions for A Dream About Love and the band's final activities before hiatus, Keith Goodwin—vocalist, guitarist, and of —served as touring . Goodwin's contributions provided additional sonic layers during this era's live sets, supporting the evolving, more experimental sound of the band's concluding phase. Recordings for Circa Survive's albums were handled almost exclusively by the core members, with no prominent session musicians credited for additional instrumentation like keys or strings across their discography.

Live performances

Major tours

Following the release of their debut album Juturna in May 2005, Circa Survive gained initial exposure through select dates on the Vans Warped Tour that summer, which featured 48 U.S. stops in venues ranging from amphitheaters to urban parks, which helped build a fanbase in the scene. In 2006, the band transitioned to smaller East Coast club venues for a tour supporting in March, followed by their first headlining Twilight Army Tour in summer with The Receiving End of Sirens, YouInSeries, and Days Away, playing mid-sized halls like Chicago's Logan Square Auditorium and capacities up to 1,500, marking their shift toward independent touring control. The promotion of in 2007–2008 expanded Circa Survive's reach internationally, beginning with the Alternative Press (AP) Tour co-headlining with Cute Is What We Aim For, , and across 30+ North American dates in theaters like Baltimore's Rams Head Live!. They returned to Vans Warped Tour for its full 2007 run, 44 U.S. shows emphasizing high-energy festival sets. In 2008, a spring U.S. co-headline with and hit larger arenas such as Worcester's , while a European leg via the Kerrang! Tour included UK stops supporting in halls like Southampton's . Supporting in 2010, Circa Survive co-headlined a North American spring tour with , performing in upgraded venues like Philadelphia's Electric Factory to audiences exceeding 2,000, solidifying their draw in circles. This run highlighted the album's melodic evolution and drew from 150+ shows that year, including festival integrations for broader visibility. The 2012–2014 period saw Circa Survive's most consistent headlining activity, starting with the Violent Waves Tour in fall 2012 alongside , , and O'Brother, a 40-date U.S. run through mid-sized theaters like Boston's , emphasizing atmospheric live production and album synergy. For Descensus in late 2014, they headlined a U.S. winter tour with rotating supports including , , and Pianos Become the Teeth, playing halls such as New York's Terminal 5 to crowds of 3,000+, reflecting peak mid-career momentum before scaling back. Circa Survive's final major outing, the 2017 tour supporting The Amulet, was a co-headline with across 30+ North American dates from November to December, featuring CHON and as openers in arenas like ' Shrine Expo Hall, reaching capacities over 5,000 and serving as a capstone before the band's reduced activity.

Festival and one-off shows

Circa Survive frequently performed at major music festivals throughout their career, with notable recurring slots at the Vans Warped Tour in 2005, 2007, and 2012. Their 2005 appearance marked an early highlight, showcasing tracks from their debut album to large summer crowds alongside punk and alternative acts. By 2007, the band delivered high-energy sets featuring songs like "In the Morning and Amazing," drawing massive audiences at venues such as The Gorge in Washington. The 2012 slot further solidified their festival presence, with performances emphasizing their evolving sound from albums like . The band also appeared at Music & Arts Festival in 2015, performing on Day 3 of the event in , where they highlighted material from their recent release Descensus. These festival outings often served as platforms to connect with diverse audiences, blending their intricate instrumentation with the high-stakes energy of multi-act billings. In addition to festivals, Circa Survive embraced one-off and intimate shows, including a series of acoustic performances in 2010. On April 30, they delivered a stripped-down four-song set at SPIN's office, incorporating a cover of Nirvana's "Dumb" to showcase their melodic versatility. Later that year, on September 27, they recorded a mellower session for Daytrotter, reinterpreting tracks with raw, exposed arrangements that emphasized emotional depth over their typical intensity. Stage collaborations added unique moments to their live repertoire, such as a 2019 joint performance with members of at Emo Nite LA in , where frontman Anthony Green joined and Joey Bradford for a cover of Nirvana's "Heart-Shaped Box." The disrupted live activities starting in 2020, leading to the postponement of their anniversary tour with and . In response, the band pivoted to virtual formats, including a full livestream performance of on June 4, 2021, allowing fans to experience the album in sequence from home. By 2022, through their Patreon-exclusive Creature Club, they offered limited-access content such as studio-recorded live sessions, providing intimate fan interactions amid reduced touring. Following their indefinite hiatus announced in October 2022, Circa Survive did not resume major touring or live performances prior to their permanent disbandment in May 2025.

Discography

Studio albums

Circa Survive's studio discography consists of seven full-length albums, each showcasing the band's evolving sound within the and genres, often marked by intricate instrumentation and Anthony Green's soaring vocals. Their debut, , released on April 19, 2005, via , was produced by at Salad Days Studios in Baltimore, , capturing the band's raw energy and complex arrangements in a 35-minute runtime. The album debuted at No. 183 on the , marking their initial entry into mainstream charts despite limited promotion. The follow-up, , arrived on May 29, 2007, also through Equal Vision and once again helmed by McTernan at the same studio, emphasizing atmospheric builds and melodic hooks across 11 tracks. It achieved greater commercial success, peaking at No. 24 on the and selling over 24,000 copies in its first week, reflecting the band's growing fanbase. Production notes highlight McTernan's role in balancing the group's progressive tendencies with accessible rock structures. In 2010, marked a shift to major-label backing with , released on April 20 and produced by David Bottrill, known for his work with Tool and . Recorded in , the album's polished sound incorporated broader sonic palettes, including orchestral elements, and debuted at No. 11 on the , the band's highest chart position at the time. Bottrill's involvement brought a sense of expansiveness to tracks like "," aiding its critical reception as a maturation point. After parting with Atlantic, Circa Survive self-released Violent Waves on August 28, 2012, handling production internally at Studio 606 in , which allowed for unfiltered experimentation with heavier riffs and ambient interludes over 10 songs. The album peaked at No. 15 on the , demonstrating the viability of their independent approach and first-week sales exceeding 13,000 units. Self-production emphasized the band's collaborative dynamic, with Colin Frangicetto taking a lead engineering role. Descensus, issued on June 30, 2014, via , continued the self-production trend, recorded primarily at Frangicetto's home studio and emphasizing visceral, introspective themes amid Green's personal struggles. Spanning 10 tracks, it peaked at No. 50 on the , with production notes underscoring the raw, unpolished aesthetic achieved through in-house mixing and minimal external input. The process fostered a sense of immediacy, distinguishing it from prior polished efforts. The band's sixth album, The Amulet, released on October 6, 2017, through Hopeless Records and produced by Will Yip at Studio 4 Recording in Pennsylvania, returned to a more label-supported framework while retaining core lineup contributions. Featuring 10 tracks with renewed focus on melodic urgency and thematic cohesion around personal rebirth, it debuted at No. 26 on the Billboard 200. Yip's production integrated subtle electronic textures, bridging the band's experimental history with accessible rock elements. Companion EPs like Appendage occasionally supplemented these releases with alternate takes and live recordings. The seventh and final album, Two Dreams, was released on December 16, 2022, via Rise Records and produced by Will Yip. Compiling the band's two preceding EPs, A Dream About Love and A Dream About Death, into a 12-track full-length, it explores dual themes of emotional vulnerability, mortality, and resilience with ambient and electronic influences across introspective soundscapes.

Extended plays and compilations

Circa Survive's debut extended play, The Inuit Sessions, was released on March 18, 2005, as an independent effort that served as the band's formative introduction to listeners. The EP features four tracks—"Act Appalled," "The Great Golden Baby," "Suspending Disbelief," and "Handshakes at Sunrise"—capturing the group's early post-hardcore sound with intricate guitar work and Anthony Green's soaring vocals. Limited to 3,000 physical copies, it laid the groundwork for their subsequent full-length debut, Juturna. In 2010, the band issued Appendage, an EP comprising outtakes and demos from the Blue Sky Noise recording sessions, released on November 30 through . The five-track release includes "Coasts," "Living Together," "Frozen Creek," "Stare Like You'll Stay," and a demo version of "Sleep Underground," offering fans additional insight into the album's creative process with raw, atmospheric arrangements. In 2017, Circa Survive released the B-Sides EP on January 13 via , featuring two tracks—"1000 Witnesses" and "The Most Dangerous Commercials"—as companion material to The Amulet, including covers and outtakes that highlight the band's collaborative covers and experimental side. During the , Circa Survive released two EPs that explored introspective and experimental themes, later compiled into the full-length Two Dreams in 2022. A Dream About Love, issued on October 22, 2021, via , contains six songs such as "Imposter Syndrome," "Drift," and "Sleep Well," reflecting on and emotional amid isolation. Following on February 4, 2022, A Dream About Death features six tracks including "Electric Moose," "Curitiba," and "Buzzhenge," delving into mortality and resilience with futuristic production elements. These pandemic-era releases marked a shift toward more ambient and electronic influences while maintaining the band's signature intensity. Beyond these EPs, Circa Survive has released limited non-album material, including the 2020 holiday compilation Circa Family Christmas, which gathers seasonal covers and originals by band members and associates, such as "Blue Christmas" and "Christmas Time Is Here." Standalone singles, like the 2012 track "Meet the Press" from the Violent Waves era, have occasionally appeared outside full projects, but the band has no major standalone compilations.

Media

Music videos

Circa Survive released a series of official music videos that complement their sound with visually striking, abstract aesthetics, often exploring themes of emotional turmoil, self-discovery, and to match the depth of their . These videos, totaling more than 10 across their , serve as promotional singles for key albums and are characterized by indie and self-directed productions that prioritize artistic expression over conventional narrative structures. The band's music videos began in the mid-2000s with promotional efforts tied to their debut album (2005), including "In Fear and Faith" (2006), "The Difference Between Medicine and Poison Is in the Dose" (2007) from , and "Act Appalled" (2008), evolving into more experimental works in later years. For instance, the video for "" from the 2010 album was directed by Josh Mond and features dynamic performance shots interspersed with symbolic imagery of escape and isolation, released as a single to highlight the album's themes of personal liberation. Similarly, "Imaginary Enemy" from the same album, directed by Ryan Rothermel, employs layered visuals and dreamlike sequences to evoke internal conflict, underscoring the track's introspective narrative. In the 2010s, Circa Survive's videos leaned toward animated and minimalist styles. The 2012 video for "Sharp Practice," directed by Mortimer Jones, uses stark black-and-white cinematography to convey tension and urgency, aligning with the song's aggressive riffs from the Violent Waves album. "Suitcase," also from 2012 and directed by Dannel Escallon, incorporates travel motifs and fragmented storytelling to reflect themes of transience. By 2014, with Descensus, the band released "Schema," directed by Frankie Nasso, which features glitchy, distorted effects mirroring the album's chaotic energy, and "Child of the Desert," directed by Andrew Swartz and released in 2015, blending live action with desert landscapes to symbolize rebirth and desolation. Later videos continued this indie ethos, often self-produced or involving close collaborators. The 2017 single "Premonition of the Hex" from The Amulet, directed by Josh Coll, presents a hypnotic, ritualistic sequence with occult-inspired visuals that enhance the song's mystical undertones. "Lustration," another The Amulet track from the same year and directed by Matt Stawski, follows a similar abstract approach, focusing on purification motifs through fluid, ethereal imagery. More recently, the 2022 video for "Electric Moose" was directed by Katharine , featuring vibrant, nature-infused animations that capture the band's evolving experimental side. These videos not only promote singles but also reinforce Circa Survive's reputation for visually poetic content that deepens listener engagement.

Other visual content

In addition to their promotional music videos, Circa Survive has released several official live videos capturing their performances in intimate and festival settings. A notable example is the acoustic rendition of "Get Out" from a 2010 in-store session at Vintage Vinyl in Fords, New Jersey, which showcases the band's stripped-down dynamic and Anthony Green's emotive vocals. Similarly, the full MySpace Transmissions live session recorded in 2010 features high-energy renditions of tracks like "Imaginary Enemy" and "The Difference Between Medicine and Poison Is in the Dose," highlighting the band's raw stage presence during the promotion of their album Blue Sky Noise. Festival clips from the Vans Warped Tour, such as performances of "In The Morning And Amazing" in 2007 and "Act Appalled" in 2019, have been officially uploaded or endorsed by the band, providing glimpses into their high-octane live energy amid large crowds. Fan-generated and Patreon-exclusive content has also enriched the visual archive of Circa Survive, particularly during the 2021–2022 period surrounding the recording of their A Dream About Love and A Dream Outside EPs, later compiled as Two Dreams. Through their Creature Club community, launched in 2020, the band shared behind-the-scenes footage of remote "Safe Camp" sessions, where members collaborated virtually on demos and covers, offering fans unpolished glimpses into the creative process amid the . These videos, including home-recorded takes of songs like "Oh, Hello," emphasized the band's collaborative and provided exclusive access to outtakes and remixes not available elsewhere. Additional posts from 2021–2022 documented the EP sessions, featuring clips of guitar layering and vocal experiments that influenced the atmospheric sound of Two Dreams. Documentary-style content and interviews further document the band's evolution, with a focus on the making of their 2014 album Descensus. The official tour video diary series, released in late 2014, includes behind-the-scenes footage from the road, capturing rehearsals, soundchecks, and personal reflections from Anthony Green on the album's intense themes of recovery and introspection. In May 2025, Green shared visual updates via Threads, including a now-deleted post with accompanying imagery that confirmed Circa Survive's permanent disbandment. While Circa Survive has not produced major feature-length films, their visual presence extends to YouTube series featuring song breakdowns and analyses. These include fan-curated but band-endorsed content, such as extended interviews where members dissect tracks like those from Descensus, explaining lyrical inspirations and production choices, often uploaded to the official channel or promoted via social media.

Equipment

Guitar setups

Circa Survive's guitarists, Colin Frangicetto and Brendan Ekstrom, have employed a variety of setups emphasizing versatile tones ranging from raw distortion to ambient textures, often relying on Telecaster-style guitars and a mix of boutique and affordable pedals. Frangicetto primarily uses a Fender Standard Telecaster HH in black from 2016, which he has praised for its playability during tours. His amplification centers on the Marshall JCM 2000 DSL100 head, known for delivering the high-gain sounds integral to the band's early work. For effects, Frangicetto's pedalboard features staples like the Boss BD-2 Blues Driver overdrive for grit, the Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail Nano reverb, and the Strymon blueSky Reverberator for lush ambience, alongside modulation options such as the Walrus Audio Julia chorus/vibrato and harmonizers like the Boss PS-6 Harmonist paired with the Boss OC-3 Super Octave to create layered, synth-like textures. Ekstrom's setup complements Frangicetto's with a focus on cleaner, more dynamic tones, utilizing guitars such as custom Melancon Artist "T" Telecaster-style models, the Fender Elvis Costello Signature Jazzmaster, and a black PRS. He amplifies through the Bad Cat Hot Cat 30R head into a Sommatone 2x12 cabinet with Eminence Red Coat speakers, providing high-gain clarity suitable for both live and studio applications. Ekstrom's effects chain includes the Catalinbread Karma Suture fuzz for aggressive leads, the Bass Octave Deluxe for sub-octave depth, and premium time-based pedals like the Strymon TimeLine delay, Mobius modulation, and Big Sky reverb, with additional drives from the Keeley-modded TS9DX and Durham Sex Drive. The evolution of their guitar setups reflects the band's sonic progression, starting with raw, distorted tones on the 2005 debut —achieved via Telecasters into Marshall-circuit distortions, compressors, delays, and Boss RV-3 reverb for an atmospheric edge—shifting toward more ambient, delay-heavy soundscapes on The Amulet (2017), where odd time signatures and effects-driven restraint allowed for greater textural depth. By later releases like the 2021 EP A Dream About Love, both guitarists incorporated digital modelers such as the Line 6 Helix for preset-based delays, reverbs, and tremolos, enabling a less-is-more approach that prioritized space over density. In terms of signal flow, their rigs typically route the guitar through initial overdrives and fuzzes, followed by modulation and pitch effects, then time-based processing like and reverbs, before hitting the amp head and cabinet; for recordings, units like the Line 6 POD XT provide cabinet simulation to capture tones directly. This chain integrates seamlessly with the rhythm section, enhancing the band's interlocking guitar dynamics without overpowering the overall mix.

Bass and drum rigs

Nick Beard, Circa Survive's bassist since the band's formation in 2004, primarily employs Fender Precision Basses in his setup, including the Fender Player Precision Bass model, which provides the foundational tone for his melodic bass lines that often weave intricate patterns supporting the band's progressive rock elements. He pairs these with Ampeg amplification, notably the SVT-CL Classic head and SVT-4PRO 1200-watt head, driving cabinets such as the SVT-410HLF and SVT-810E for a robust, punchy low-end that complements the rhythm section's drive in live performances. Effects processing includes the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver Deluxe direct input pedal, which delivers versatile overdrive and DI capabilities, allowing Beard to achieve distorted, aggressive tones on tracks like those from Blue Sky Noise while maintaining clarity for melodic phrasing. Drummer Steve Clifford utilizes high-end custom kits, transitioning from Bubinga stave shells to SJC Custom Drums with single-ply steam-bent shells, emphasizing warm, resonant tones suited to the band's dynamic shifts. His snare choices include a 6.5×14 knock-off and an 8×14 Pearl free-floater, contributing to the crisp, cutting backbeat heard across albums. Clifford endorses for their articulate crash and ride sounds, paired with Pro-Mark sticks for precise control during complex fills. In later works like A Dream About Death (2022), he incorporates electronic elements, drawing from his background in electronic music production to layer synthesized percussion and programmed rhythms, adding atmospheric depth to the album's heavier, experimental tracks. In studio recordings, Beard's bass is often captured via direct injection through the SansAmp for clean and easy integration with the mix, enabling effects to enhance melodic contours without muddiness. Drums receive overhead miking to preserve natural room ambiance and Clifford's intricate patterns, though later self-productions allowed for more electronic augmentation. These techniques prioritize the section's cohesion, with bass and forming a locked-in groove that underpins the band's atmospheric guitars. Live rigs emphasize reliability and power, with Beard relying on the full stack for immediate stage volume, contrasting the more nuanced, layered studio approaches where DI and electronic processing create richer textures. Clifford's setups similarly simplify to core acoustic elements onstage—focusing on his custom kit and —while reserving electronic integrations for studio experimentation, ensuring the live sound translates the recordings' intensity without complexity overload. This adaptation maintains the band's signature propulsion, where bass and drums provide a solid yet adaptable foundation.

References

  1. https://www.last.fm/music/Circa%2BSurvive/%2Bwiki
  2. https://equalvision.com/collections/circa-survive
  3. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/artist/1054-circa-survive/
  4. https://www.discogs.com/artist/866508-Circa-Survive
  5. https://www.vice.com/en/article/is-circa-survive-gone-forever/
  6. https://lambgoat.com/news/47671/circa-survive-is-gone-forever-says-anthony-green-in-deleted-post/
  7. https://www.theaquarian.com/2008/01/30/saosin-the-road-to-innovation/
  8. https://circasurvive.com/pages/the-inuit-sessions
  9. https://www.discogs.com/release/1068983-Circa-Survive-The-Inuit-Sessions
  10. https://www.punknews.org/review/3828/circa-survive-the-inuit-sessions
  11. https://www.discogs.com/release/1028526-Circa-Survive-Juturna
  12. https://genius.com/albums/Circa-survive/Juturna
  13. https://www.last.fm/music/Circa%2BSurvive/Juturna/%2Bwiki
  14. https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCbcVglszuM3be5cj3fu6ICA
  15. https://www.discogs.com/master/289042-Circa-Survive-On-Letting-Go
  16. http://drownedinsound.com/releases/10703/reviews/2226489-
  17. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/14986-circa-survive-on-letting-go.php
  18. https://www.theaquarian.com/2007/05/30/circa-survive-whats-going-on/
  19. https://www.discogs.com/release/3971960-Circa-Survive-Blue-Sky-Noise
  20. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/billboard-200-movers-shakers-cypress-hill-ratt-luciano-pavarotti-american-1207620/
  21. https://www.discogs.com/master/329912-Circa-Survive-Appendage
  22. https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/40477/Circa-Survive-Appendage/
  23. https://www.allmusic.com/album/violent-waves-mw0002420108
  24. https://www.discogs.com/release/4459358-Circa-Survive-Violent-Waves
  25. https://consequence.net/2012/08/album-review-circa-survive-violent-waves/
  26. https://propertyofzack.com/post/30396007029/poz-review-circa-survive-violent-waves
  27. https://www.allmusic.com/album/descensus-mw0002765236
  28. https://diffuser.fm/circa-survive-descensus-album-review/
  29. https://renownedforsound.com/album-review-circa-survive-descensus/
  30. https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/65152/Circa-Survive-Descensus/
  31. https://loudwire.com/circa-survive-the-amulet-album-details-co-headlining-tour-thrice/
  32. https://www.getalternative.com/album-review-circa-survive-the-amulet/
  33. https://www.discogs.com/master/1240292-Circa-Survive-The-Amulet
  34. https://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2017/09/26/circa-survive-amulet/
  35. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/circa-survive-announce-new-ep-a-dream-about-love-share-imposter-syndrome/
  36. https://circasurvive.bandcamp.com/album/a-dream-about-love
  37. https://www.kerrang.com/ep-review-circa-survive-a-dream-about-death
  38. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/circa-survive-compile-two-new-eps-for-final-pre-hiatus-lp-two-dreams-exclusive-vinyl/
  39. https://www.patreon.com/circasurvive/about
  40. https://www.patreon.com/circasurvive
  41. https://loudwire.com/circa-survive-anthony-green-a-dream-about-death-ep-interview/
  42. https://revuewm.com/music/circa-survive-music-enduring-through-time
  43. https://newnoisemagazine.com/reviews/album-review-circa-survive-two-dreams/
  44. https://www.theprp.com/2022/10/18/news/circa-survive-go-on-indefinite-hiatus/
  45. https://loudwire.com/circa-survive-indefinite-hiatus-status-statement/
  46. https://www.nme.com/news/music/circa-survive-confirm-indefinite-hiatus-announce-two-dreams-vinyl-3333881
  47. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/circa-survive-say-theyre-on-indefinite-hiatus/
  48. https://metalinjection.net/news/breakups/circa-survive-goes-on-indefinite-hiatus
  49. https://themosh.net/anthony-green-says-circa-survive/
  50. https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/when-prog-goes-emo-20-years-ago-this-concept-album-blended-unexpected-genres-and-rewrote-alt-musics-rulebook-177413
  51. https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/this_band_mixed_punk_indie_and_prog_and_earned_a_cult_following_before_disappearing_will_they_ever_return-172191
  52. https://beatcoverage.com/circa-survive-juturna/
  53. https://newuniversity.org/2012/01/24/the-green-and-the-beautiful/
  54. https://ink19.com/2008/09/magazine/event-reviews/er4mqk-anthony-green
  55. https://www.vice.com/en/article/rank-your-records-anthony-green-gets-personal-about-circa-survives-six-albums/
  56. https://www.punktastic.com/interviews/circa-survive/
  57. http://drownedinsound.com/releases/2762/reviews/13241-
  58. https://preludepress.com/album-reviews/2014/11/27/circa-survive-descensus/
  59. https://www.altpress.com/circa_survive_deliver_consistent_quality_plus_sonic_curveballs_on_descensus/
  60. https://alreadyheard.com/review-circa-survive-the-amulet/
  61. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/circa-survives-anthony-green-talks-musical-departure-of-new-ep-a-dream-about-love/
  62. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/circa-survive-mn0000072941
  63. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/circa-survive-are-making-some-of-the-best-music-of-their-career/
  64. https://blog.ernieball.com/artists/getting-to-know-circa-survive-in-the-valley-below-and-no-age/
  65. https://www.revolvermag.com/music/circa-survives-anthony-green-why-i-love-deftones-white-pony/
  66. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/anthony-green-mn0000148227
  67. https://www.last.fm/music/Anthony%2BGreen/%2Bwiki
  68. https://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=5392
  69. https://www.moderndrummer.com/2011/06/steve-clifford-of-circa-survive/
  70. https://www.summersweesingh.com/bio/
  71. https://www.pianote.com/blog/summer-swee-singh/
  72. https://www.metalkingdom.net/band/circa-survive-48453
  73. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/circa-survive?year=2005
  74. https://www.scenepointblank.com/news/tours/2006/01/17/saves-the-day-circa-survive-tourdates/
  75. https://www.punknews.org/article/17353/tours-circa-survive-the-recieving-end-of-sirens-days-away-youinseries
  76. https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/ap-tour-2007
  77. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/circa-survive-63d6f66f.html?tour=7bd7922c
  78. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/circa-survive?year=2008
  79. https://intunemusic.wordpress.com/2010/05/21/coheed-and-cambria-circa-survive-philadelphia-5212010/
  80. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/circa-survive-63d6f66f.html?year=2010
  81. https://www.punknews.org/article/47850/tours-circa-survive-touche-amore-obrother-balance-and-composure
  82. https://www.punknews.org/review/12994/circa-survive-title-fight-tera-melos-live-in-boston
  83. https://underthegunreview.net/2014/12/18/live-review-circa-survive-at-union-transfer-in-philadelphia-pa-121314/
  84. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/thrice-announce-tour-with-circa-survive-and-balance-composure/
  85. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/circa-survive-63d6f66f.html?tour=73d7922d
  86. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/circa-survive-63d6f66f.html?year=2007
  87. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/circa-survive-63d6f66f.html?year=2012
  88. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC9mQm343m8
  89. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxPAV_WBUY0
  90. https://www.spin.com/2010/04/watch-circa-survive-unplugs-covers-nirvana/
  91. https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/circa-survive/circa-survive-daytrotter-session-sep-27-2010
  92. https://loudwire.com/the-used-circa-survive-nirvana-cover/
  93. https://metalinsider.net/news/news-ticker/coronavirus-circa-survives-first-leg-of-north-american-tour-w-polyphia-gouge-away-postponed
  94. https://www.nerdsandbeyond.com/2021/05/05/circa-survive-announces-livestream-performance-of-blue-sky-noise/
  95. https://showsigoto.com/circa-survive-orlando-2022/
  96. http://musicchartsarchive.com/artists/circa-survive
  97. https://www.discogs.com/master/553523-Circa-Survive-Violent-Waves
  98. https://www.discogs.com/master/2918548-Circa-Survive-Two-Dreams
  99. https://genius.com/albums/Circa-survive/Appendage
  100. https://circasurvive.bandcamp.com/album/b-sides
  101. https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/circa-survive/circa-survive-dream-about-death
  102. https://musicexistence.com/blog/2022/01/25/circa-survive-announce-new-ep-a-dream-about-death-hear-the-first-single-now/
  103. https://circasurvive.bandcamp.com/album/circa-family-christmas-compilation
  104. https://www.youtube.com/user/circasurvive
  105. https://imvdb.com/n/circa-survive/videography-by-position
  106. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX_ko50O6gI
  107. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7mLdK-qDHE
  108. https://imvdb.com/video/circa-survive/sharp-practice
  109. https://imvdb.com/video/circa-survive/schema
  110. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri3QahSZlus
  111. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWYaTxWZt68
  112. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f1hkyqKHNs
  113. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3dmhS6Fj6Y
  114. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3huwWSDZIo
  115. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4Ifml3Z0K8
  116. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8p3s65v8kTs
  117. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9k7mRKcZCk
  118. https://www.facebook.com/CircaSurvive/videos/oh-hello-safe-camp-session/412434929913022/
  119. https://www.guitarworld.com/features/circa-survive-a-dream-about-love
  120. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/circa-survive-tour-video-diary-webisode-anthony-green-live-descensus-exclusive-6327189/
  121. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq2W13i6CXs
  122. https://equipboard.com/pros/colin-frangicetto
  123. https://reverb.com/news/reverb-soundcheck-circa-survives-colin-frangicetto-and-brendan-ekstrom-show-us-their-live-rigs
  124. https://equipboard.com/pros/brendan-ekstrom
  125. https://www.uberproaudio.com/who-plays-what/783-circa-survive-brendan-ekstrom-guitar-rig-gear-and-equipment
  126. https://www.reddit.com/r/circasurvive/comments/64g5nu/guitar_tone/
  127. https://equipboard.com/pros/nick-beard
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.