Appendage cover

Appendage

Circa Survive · 2010

21 min · 5 tracks · alternative rock

Ethereal melodies intertwine with fragmented rhythms, creating a haunting exploration of emotional depth and introspection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Stare Like You'll Stay — The song features dynamic shifts in intensity, capturing the band's hallmark blend of intricate guitar work and passionate vocals that define their style.
  • →
    Everyway — With its layered instrumentation and emotionally charged lyrics, this track exemplifies the band's capacity for creating an immersive listening experience.
  • →
    Lazarus — This track stands out for its haunting melody and lyrical themes of rebirth and transformation, resonating deeply with listeners seeking depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

54 /100
Foothills
Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

This EP showcases a blend of atmospheric elements and rhythmic shifts, marking a transitional phase for the band.

What we noticed

  • The first track features a slow build with layered vocals that gradually introduce the instrumentation, creating an atmospheric opening.
  • The second track shifts to a more driving rhythm, incorporating syncopated guitar riffs and dynamic vocal delivery that contrasts with the opener.
  • The EP closes with 'Lazarus', which employs a minimalist arrangement that emphasizes emotional weight through sparse instrumentation and haunting melodies.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • haunting melodies for introspection
  • short bursts of emotional intensity
  • ethereal soundscapes for focus
  • delicate rhythms for quiet moments

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer album experiences
  • seek high-energy party tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2010, Circa Survive was transitioning from their acclaimed album 'Blue Sky Noise' to new sonic territories. 'Appendage' serves as a bridge between their established sound and the more experimental paths they would explore subsequently.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Backmask

    The narrative voice questions past choices through a reflective tone that contrasts with the assertive instrumentals.

    This juxtaposition of introspection against aggressive musicality highlights the complexity of the band's songwriting approach.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Sleep Underground (demo) 2:26
  • 2 Stare Like You'll Stay 4:38
  • 3 Everyway 4:17
  • 4 Backmask 5:31
  • 5 Lazarus 4:50

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata