Listen to EMPROS

Russian Circles, Deaf Heaven, Odist
Show Review
The Earl – November 8, 2011

Russian Circles an instrumental post-rock trio from Chicago, IL recently released ‘Empros’ and I must say that it is perfect. Touring to promote the release of ‘Empros’ is in full effect and I knew I had to catch them when they stopped in Atlanta.  I am glad I made that choice because Russian Circles really are amazing live. However, I think the openers shined more so than Russian Circles. That didn’t stop the crowd from being most intrigued by guitarist Mike Sullivan and his extensive pedal board.  I liked the creation of sound by all three members that included Brian Cook with his aggressive style of bass playing and Dave Turncrantz on drums. With minimal vocals, Russian Circles’ music surely tells a story but only the story that you choose for it to tell.

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Deaf Heaven (San Fransisco, CA) put on an emotional set that left me feeling almost unsettled.  Sometimes the best medicine is feeling pushed out of your comfort zone and I felt exactly that during their time on stage.  I usually try to research and/or listen to opening bands before the show but all I found out was that they were a “black metal band” and wasn’t prepared for what took place next.  Deaf Heaven set up, did a small sound check, and then it happened.  I couldn’t look away after lead vocalist George Clarke screamed his first words.  It wasn’t so much what he was saying, to be honest I couldn’t understand a word of it, but his delivery.  Clarke was forceful and it seemed he tried to look into the eyes of every single person in the room.  By the end of each song he was literally out of breath and turned towards the drum kit on his knees as if he had to recollect himself.  I felt it and everyone else in the room did too.  The rest of the band was strong yet calm and barely moved which was so confusing to me.  I can honestly say I was shocked, but after their performance sunk in I really could appreciate the beauty of it.

Odist (Atlanta, GA) opened up the night with a set that successfully made the crowd want more. Odist is a progressive rock band that is completely instrumental and made up of three impressively skilled members. Sarah Wilson on drums is someone I have seen play for three bands with different vibes. I don’t know how she does it but she brings just the right style to the stage for each one. Guitarist Parker Newell is so great at what he does and was able to create powerful moments yet still made it look so effortless.  I have never seen anybody play the bass quite like Jason Craig does. When they started to play their newest release “Pyramid Eyes” I was stoked and it was great to hear it live!  After their set I heard someone next to me say for an opener how amazing they were.   Odist made an impression on me and everyone else!