Surround Sound: Circa Survive Cranks Up the Volume

The Rutgers University Programming Association brought the popular alternative band Circa Survive to New Brunswick last Thursday. The Rutgers Student Center on the College Avenue campus was filled with anxious fans in attendance for the sold-out event. Starting at 8 p.m. two local bands, Timeout Jimmy and They Had Faces Then, built up the atmosphere for a vibrant and energetic evening. As Circa took the stage, frontman Anthony Greene fervently addressed the crowd in preparation for an unforgettable set. Sporting a Phillies shirt, he projected his unique voice into the ears of all in attendance opening with a track off of the group's most recent album, Blue Noise Sky.

The set list greatly exemplified Circa Survive's instrumental talents as they filled voids with creative guitar riffs and omniscient drum rhythms. Fans, eager to partake in the band's energy, contributed to the exuberant mood by never remaining at a standstill. The lights set an ambient tone which seesawed back and forth between tranquil and ardent as the show progressed forward. With only a few songs left, massive balloons containing confetti were released into the crowd — only to be bounced around and popped overhead. Greene's vocal performance remained immaculate as the show reared toward its conclusion. As the band left the stage, the crowd became uneasy — they knew that something was missing — Circa Survive had yet to play their most recent lively hit, "Get Out."

A demanding chant emerged as fans shouted "One more song! One more song!" After about a minute of imploring, Circa Survive reclaimed their space on the stage. Greene kindly thanked the crowd for being so supportive and involved in the show. His quirky personality was prevalent as he belted out the lyrics to Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" as a gesture of gratitude. With that, Circa ripped the beginning chords to "Get Out" into the Multipurpose Room. The encore performance had enough fervor and crowd participation to resonate for the rest of the night. As for Circa Survive's future plans, the details are uncertain, but they've surely left an everlasting impression on fans with their live performance.

Check out our interview with frontman Anthony Greene at www.inside-beat.com.