New Wax


Post-rock Chicago trio Russian Circles has cultivated quite a following considering they've only released one album: 2006 full-length Enter. With epic songs that span a sound spectrum from ambient delicacy to metal, the band is known for their mind-blowing live shows which utilize sampling and loop pedals, and they've already toured with the likes of Minus the Bear, Mono, and Pelican. Now armed with a new release entitled Station, the band sees the departure of bassist Colin DeKuiper. The bass tracks on Station were handled by ex-Botch/These Arms Are Snakes bass player Brian Cook (it's unclear if Cook is to become a full-time member or not). With more polished production than their noteworthy debut, Station better exhibits Mike Sullivan's knack for emotive guitar parts. On the sprawling "Verses," soaring guitar riffs inhabit the same space as Explosions In The Sky, while the harder-edged title-track exhibits the band's versatility and wide-array of influences. While there are moments on the album that seem to build toward an impending climax that never comes, Station is mostly excellent. With Cook's more-dynamic bass-playing and overall improved production, Station showcases the band's diverse instrumental talent and proves to be far from a sophomore slump. -- Capt. Obvious