Russian Circles

With the release of their previous EP, Enter, Russian Circles generated about a metric ton of buzz. The short offering showcased their blend of post hardcore song structure, intricate guitar, driving bass, and their signature epic flair, and left many, including myself, wanting more. Sadly, Station, the band’s debut full length, just falls short. Sure, the musicianship is stellar, and yes, the songs seem more developed. However, the intensity that made their first EP so enjoyable is lost. The biggest failure of this album is not in any of the individual parts, but in their sum. The songs take great care to establish long buildups, only to give way to an anti-climactic shift in the song. That signature epic flair seems to have been lost on Station. Station is an interesting listen, but don’t expect it to blow you away like its predecessor. Hopefully, Russian Circles finds the epic that fell out of their pocket somewhere between “Enter” and “Station.”

Moby

Everyone knows who Moby is. Yep, he’s still bald. And I bet you wouldn’t be surprised that he is still making electronic dance music. The problem with Moby is what made him so appealing when he first gained his notoriety: his creative use of samples. Who could forget the soulful sample that rooted “In This World,” or the inverted strings that propelled “Porcelain?” The problem with Moby’s new album is that he’s just stopped being creative and settled for anything that will make you dance. Sure, this album will make you hit the linoleum like you have fire ants in your jock-strap, but it is completely formulaic and forgettable. You see, we’ve come to expect more from Moby than just a bald head, or the occasional appearance on VH1’s I Love the ‘90s. We kind of expect music that isn’t, well, bad. Maybe next time?

M83

Saturdays = Youth is a departure from typical M83 sound, but in a good way. Previous M83 releases were trademarked by their less-than-straightforward song structures, while the instrumentation was completely electronic with sporadic vocals. Saturdays = Youth turns a corner, with the band leaning towards a more poppy sound, with hints of introspective ambience. There still exist some straight-ahead tunes, like “Kim & Jessie,” but for the most part, the album is a very relaxing, intriguing listen. Little atmospheric nuances are perfectly placed, and at times, the album sounds like an electronically-realized version of an Eluvium album. Moods range from haunting to uplifting, airy, and bright. If you listen closely, especially in “Graveyard Girl,” you might just hear M83’s first ever use of acoustic instruments! This album still sounds very much like the M83 of old, it is just a different flavor, and trust me, the flavor is delicious.