A long, long time ago (2004), Circle Takes The Square released one of the best and most influential debuts in terms of the post-hardcore genre, entitled As The Roots Undo. If you're a fan of the newish wave of post-hardcore acts that have been gaining in popularity lately (ie. Touche Amore, La Dispute, Pianos Become the Teeth, etc.), have a quick listen to Circle Takes the Square and you'll no doubt recognize the group as an influencing factor for all of these bands, not only sonically but also lyrically and stylistically.
The band remained super quiet for a few years after their debut, finally announcing the imminent release of their sophomore album in 2011. Instead, what happened was that CTTS put out the first four songs from their new album as a stand-alone EP, entitled Chapter I: Rites of Initiation, with the full album, Decompositions: Volume I, not being released until a year later in 2012. What I'm reviewing then is this short EP released in 2011. It probably goes without saying that I'm a HUGE fan of the band's debut, so I was absolutely stoked to hear about a new album. When the first taste of new CTTS material was finally released in the form of this EP, I was not disappointed, but I was a bit underwhelmed.
Although CTTS proved to be quite a progressive and groundbreaking band with their debut, I've always described them with the blanket term "screamo" for simplicity's sake. They scream (duh), much like other screamo acts like Orchid and Pg. 99, and their lyrics are also quite emotive and poetic, thus screamo. And this was very true with As The Roots Undo. But with this new direction, CTTS moved a bit further into the territory of progressive metal, every song sounds a bit tighter and slower paced, losing some of the chaotic urgency that was present on As The Roots Undo.
Partly, my feeling of being underwhelmed is my own fault though, as I couldn't help but hold this album up to its fantastic predecessor. But enough about the debut. This EP is not a bad album in any way, shape or form. The band's songwriting is still mind blowing in terms of poetry. And their ability to craft an atmosphere with songs that continually evolve is fantastic, never having to recycle a single riff, even on the 9-minute long Way of Ever-Branching Paths. The variety of both male and female vocal styles that are shared between guitarist Drew Speziale and bassist Kathleen Stubelek are as engaging as ever; and their uncanny ability to weave mystery and poetry into their vocals is absolutely mesmerizing.
The EP is short, only 4 songs and 24 minutes long, but there is enough here to digest that it takes a few listens to really appreciate. I'd recommend this band to anyone who is into post-hardcore or post-punk, or anyone who enjoys a more artistic and experimental take on hardcore music.
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