ENTER

Russian Circles is one of those bands that prove Post-Rock is a genre worthy of being considered 'progressive' by this site. I think they are going to be among my top bands of this persuasion for quite some time. Enter was my first dose of them, and it is quite an impressive full-length debut.

This band is a three-piece, yet their full, crunching music makes them seem as mighty and numerous as any five-piece could hope to sound. Perhaps it's ll i the attitude, but I'm willing to bet these guys spent a lot of time in the studio making sure every instrument sounded as good and clear as possible. While I'm not much of a production nut, myself (I've always found it illogical to judge an album based on it's budget rather than the music itself), I have to admit the effect wouldn't be nearly the same had the production values not been as high as they are, hear.

It's entirely instrumental, of course, and because of that the instruments themselves take on a very vocal-like duty quite a lot. The melodies and such are provided through the guitar, and it gives the music more depth than a purely instrumental-minded band could conjure. Likewise, had vocals been included, this music wouldn't be as open and complex as it sounds sometimes, I suspect. Now, I for one am a huge fan of singers, even where complex music is concerned, but one cannot deny that the lack of vocals frees up the music considerably, allowing each instrument to have a shining moment.

All elements are worthy of praise; the drums, bass and guitar sections. Each musician plays his part beautifully, and this being the style of music that it is, allows them to approach their instruments from a standpoint of not so much 'Rock 'n' Roll', but more so a focus on atmosphere, layering and filling of gaps to create a wall of sound. Oh, there still are straight-up rockin' parts on the album, but it is paired with a much more mood-driven approach to the composition, which makes all good Post-Rock worth listening to, if you are as much a fan of atmospheric, dreamy, soundscape music as I am.

It is true what my fellow reviewers have already said about the music bordering on Metal at times, but please do not let that deter you from what could be a very magical listening experience. I'm always wary of going all out and recommending Post-Rock music here, since so many Prog fans don't consider it 'Prog enough', but honestly, this IS progressive music in approach, style and attitude. I have no doubt that the musicians in this band intend to push their own envelope forward as well as music itself, so you should at least consider giving this album a shot. if you enjoy heavier music, and aren't too concerned with every band you listen to sounding like Yes or King Crimson, I think there is a lot you will love, here. Complex in its own way, but maybe not quite as intricate as some here may want, Enter is an enjoyable listen that certainly ranks among my top Post-Rock listening experiences.

Happy listening.