Russian Circles - "Station"

Euphoric. Frenetic. Serene. Profound.

Allowing its instruments to speak in lieu of vocals, this Chicago trio brings its listeners along for a forty minute odyssey through a gamut of human emotions. It's strange that an album with which I have no prior familiarity so poignantly evoked long hidden memories and forgotten moments. This is what I always wanted The Album Leaf to be.

I would highly suggest attempting to digest the album all in one sitting, but for those who want to pick and choose tracks, Harper Lewis and Youngblood both shine.

Pitchfork Review: Such economy of motion yields stark beauty. Sullivan favors hypnotic, clean-toned ostinatos reminiscent of Pink Floyd. In "Youngblood", they're ominous; in "Campaign", they're winsome. Even when distorted, these repeating figures are still tender. "Harper Lewis" unfurls melodic spirals that recall prog-surfers the Mermen. The organ-lit "Xavii" is practically Mazzy Star. "Verses" takes the chord progression of "With or Without You", kicks out Bono, and erects a gleaming church. Amid peers fond of obfuscation, such nakedness is startling.

For the curious, impatient and insatiable, below is a video of Harper Lewis live:

Euphoric. Frenetic. Serene. Profound.

Allowing its instruments to speak in lieu of vocals, this Chicago trio brings its listeners along for a forty minute odyssey through a gamut of human emotions. It's strange that an album with which I have no prior familiarity so poignantly evoked long hidden memories and forgotten moments. This is what I always wanted The Album Leaf to be.

I would highly suggest attempting to digest the album all in one sitting, but for those who want to pick and choose tracks, Harper Lewis and Youngblood both shine.

Pitchfork Review: Such economy of motion yields stark beauty. Sullivan favors hypnotic, clean-toned ostinatos reminiscent of Pink Floyd. In "Youngblood", they're ominous; in "Campaign", they're winsome. Even when distorted, these repeating figures are still tender. "Harper Lewis" unfurls melodic spirals that recall prog-surfers the Mermen. The organ-lit "Xavii" is practically Mazzy Star. "Verses" takes the chord progression of "With or Without You", kicks out Bono, and erects a gleaming church. Amid peers fond of obfuscation, such nakedness is startling.

For the curious, impatient and insatiable, below is a video of Harper Lewis live: