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Unlike most guitar-centric bands dispensing with vocals, Russian Circles‘ output has always felt complete. Their previous releases (Enter and Station) succeeded thanks to their songwriting capabilities. Flash and technique account for only so much; this band is onto something beyond rote tech moves.
Geneva (Suicide Squeeze, 2009) breaks with Russian Circles’ past. The songs are slower and not as aggressive as before. Perhaps the band took inspiration from moodier fellow instrumental rockers like Mono, Explosions in the Sky, and Godspeed You! Black Emperor. They’ve discovered the utility of space. A sense of depth dominates the songs as the band focuses on rhythm, pace, and ambience. With bassist Brian Cook (Botch/These Arms Are Snakes) on board, the musicians gel in a fluid fashion not heard on previous material.
This new approach is most evident in the toned down guitar work. Mike Sullivan reinvents himself, mostly dispensing with the wild, finger-tapped leads that characterized his past work. Now he embraces subtlety. The guitars operate more as wallpaper rather than focal points, which serves the band well. Opener “Fathom” displays this theme succinctly, with a slow groove and almost non-descript guitar seamlessly meshing with the repetitive groove.
Shortsighted fans may bemoan the lack of glitzy riffs and logic-defying guitar patterns. Only “Malko” recalls the fury and immediate gratification of previous material. While the lack of singing is more noticeable now given the subtlety of Geneva, Russian Circles continue to expand the parameters of the guitar/bass/drums equation.
This is such an improvement over their previous material. I'm going to have to give this album a closer listen.