Although they can easily unleash a wall-flattening torrent
of instrumental math-metal, Russian Circles have always favored a more refined
approach: Heavier moments—generally moments, not full songs—build gradually and dissipate organically. After
all, the band hails from Chicago, where the post-rock scent of Tortoise and The
Sea And Cake still lingers in the air. The style can satisfy both camps: Rockers
get their metallic fix, and the post-rock crowd can soak up the atmosphere.
Either way, Station requires
patience, more so than its predecessor, Enter. There are no all-out rockers like Enter's "Death Rides A Horse," just six tracks that take
their time getting anywhere. For fans of Russian Circles' heavier
predilections, Station might be a
little boring; the band has grown stingier with the bombast, which in turn
means less excitement—Russian Circles are most impressive when they rock
out. But guitarist Mike Sullivan and drummer Dave Turncrantz—original
bassist Colin DeKuiper left before Station, with Brian Cook of These Arms Are Snakes filling in—are less
interested in quick thrills than compositional cohesion. The thrills may not
come quickly, but Station still
has plenty of them.