Russian Circles, 4 Dead,Bronze Chariot, Spartak @ ANUBar, Canberra (10/9/11)

Wed 14th Sep, 2011 in Gig Reviews

One of metal’s most interesting and revered acts, Russian Circles made the trek to Canberra on a Friday night where those with a keen finger on the pulse of progressive music populated ANU Bar for what will surely be remembered as a startling demonstration of finesse and innovation, something that is sorely missing in all too many acts today.

Local duo Spartak took opening honours on the night; the first of an incredibly diverse and varied bill. Performing an intriguing blend of sounds that defy conventional classification; perhaps tentatively best described as a succint pastiche of free jazz, ambience and punk, Spartak provided a brilliant mood setter for the entertainment to come.

Bronze Chariot squeezed up on stage to appreciative applause from a steadily growing crowd. The comparisons to Nick Cave, Neurosis or Earth that seem to be making the rounds online seem unavoidable, yet fall short in encapsulating the diverse blend of what can only be loosely deemed post-metal, much in the same veins of Melvins spun through a smokey country lens. A brilliant rendition of Can’t Win Them All off the Adelaide sextet’s debut full length Nigredo sent shivers up the spine and was a definite highlight of a richly varied and compelling set.

4 Dead exploded out of the box, tearing through a set of their brilliantly spastic and erratic hardcore, tumbling into each riff with unprecedented energy that captivated and demanded the attention of everyone in the room. Whilst some may have thought it was a bit perculiar putting 4 Dead on before Russian Circles, it didn’t seem to bother many, who relished in the sheer energy that the Canberrans brought.

Not a single word was said during the hour in which Russian Circles stood on stage, weaving an epic narrative throughout their set that transcended traditional song – brief chat with audience – song structure, opting instead for a continual, breathing, organismic experience. Simply watching the band create the music itself was an almost exhaustive, yet completely enthralling experience. Mike Sullivan deftly moved across the fretboard of his guitar, playing with nuance and restraint that would collaboratively and synergistically swell as he added layers and loops to the current of sounds that swirled throughout the room. Brian Cook (of seminal post-hardcore band Botch fame) seemed possessed on stage, moving with vigorous energy that seemed to embody and channel the music. A ridiculously delicious bass tone, in addition to a startlingly spot-mix, provided ample room for the bass to surge and expand, Cook himself demonstrating amazing virtuousity, in particular towards the end of the set managing to coax out astonishing discordant feedback that was not only stunning to watch, but sonically brilliant. Dave Turncrantz behind the skins was never anything other than remarkable, proving that less is more with a streamlined four piece. A beautiful rendition of Harper Lewis was a particular hightlight, demonstrating everything that Russian Circles embody; smart, forward thinking post-metal that manages to achieve a deep, primal sense of gravitas, without forfeiting any room for the ethereal and atmospheric.

Russian Circles’ new album Empros, drops on October 25. Be prepared.