Survival of the Fittest

Odd, different, unique, and melancholy are just a few of the words that can describe Circa Survive’s new album, Blue Sky Noise. Similar to the Smashing Pumpkins’ Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, the album is a pleasant surprise that will leave listeners awestruck.

“Frozen Creek” opens the album with an acoustic guitar. A deeply emotional ballad, this track seems to be dedicated to a lost love who left too early. Another track along those lines is “Spirit Of The Stairwell.” Haunting and infectious, it mourns for a lost child.

Circa Survive has more going for them than just downers, however. “Strange Terrain” is arguably one of the better tracks to prove this, with a light nineties feel that swims in your mind extensively. The closing “Dyed In The Wool” is another one that will get to you. It’s a tragic-happy type of song that is good for both depressing autumn days and beach filled summer nights. Although it may seem a little unappealing at first, it grows on you like the brightest dandelion in the yard.

Together, the tracks create a creepy-fun world to put on the iPod alongside other pop-punk greats. There’s no need to survive Blue Sky Noise. Just soak it in, let your soul veg out to the darkly bright melodies and wait for what comes next from an incredibly talented group.