This track has been on the short list for this playlist since it started. I love the band Russian Circles, you will hear a lot of them from me. Their 2008 album "Station" (this is the fifth track) has become one of my all time favorite albums. In 2012 I was introduced to them by the guys in a local post rock band I started playing in. Since that time this genre has become one I relate to, listen, to and write more than most. I continue to explore music and this record in particular is one I always come back to no matter what is going on and what my musical taste is at the moment.
Russian Circles are masters of their craft. A three piece comprised of drums, bass, and guitar they play a unique brand of intricate, delicate, brutal, heavy, melodic, and emotional instrumental progressive post rock. (Can you say that 5 times fast?) They are masters of using loops seamlessly to build sound odysseys and to bring different voices and parts to the mix. What you think is a team of guitars players is one man who weaves in and out of rhythm and lead parts flawlessly. Every player has a unique and powerful voice, bassist Brian Cook is the gel that keeps in all together and his use of distorted and other bass tones has inspired me in my own playing and use of effects pedals.
This song is a perfect example of their mix of textures and song craft. From the go the riffs grab your ear and intensity builds as you move through each section. As always, turn it up and sit back, but this time pay attention, you are in for a ride. Enjoy!
You can learn more about Russian Circles here:
About The Curator - Danny Gordon
Danny's love affair with music started around the time he could walk. He spent countless hours in front of the record player going through his parents collection and experimented with playing violin, piano, and guitar before finding his voice on the bass in his teens.
Danny began playing in local bands in Los Angeles while studying music, eventually landing at Berklee College of Music in 1998. Following his graduation in 2001 Danny returned home and continued his career as a recording and touring bassist, most notably working with former STP singer Scott Weiland.
Danny continues to stay active in the local scene and is a devoted father teaching his children about the music he loves.
