Violent Waves
Circa Survive · 2012
55 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
Ethereal melodies intertwine with intricate guitar work, creating a dynamic soundscape that balances introspection and intensity.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Lottery — This track exemplifies the band's ability to blend complex rhythms with emotional lyrics, featuring soaring vocals that capture the essence of existential uncertainty.
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Brother Song — A poignant reflection on familial bonds, this song stands out for its heartfelt lyrics and anthemic chorus that speaks to both personal and universal themes.
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I'll Find A Way — The closing track encapsulates the album's overarching themes of resilience and hope, showcasing dynamic shifts in instrumentation that build toward a powerful conclusion.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate songwriting and production, balancing intensity with introspection.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a track that features layered vocals and complex guitar riffs, establishing an ethereal atmosphere.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, shifting from introspective verses to intense choruses, creating dynamic contrasts.
- The final track ends with a gradual fade-out, leaving a lingering sense of ambiguity and reflection.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- kaleidoscopic soundscapes to explore
- patient builds with rewarding crescendos
- emotional highs and lows experienced
- engaging narratives throughout the album
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek standalone singles only
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2012, Violent Waves was Circa Survive's fourth studio album and followed their acclaimed 2010 release, Blue Sky Noise. The band had solidified their presence in the alternative rock scene, and this album showcased their artistic growth and willingness to experiment with sound without the constraints of a record label, as it was self-released.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Coheed and Cambria· The Dear Hunter· Dance Gavin Dance
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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My Only Friend
The moment switches from introspective musings to a direct plea for connection.
This shift emphasizes vulnerability by contrasting internal struggle with an urgent need for external support.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Birth Of The Economic Hit Man 7:12
- 2 Sharp Practice 4:10
- 3 Suitcase 4:37
- 4 The Lottery 4:43
- 5 My Only Friend 5:53
- 6 Phantasmagoria 4:12
- 7 Think Of Me When They Sound 4:37
- 8 Brother Song 4:44
- 9 Bird Sounds 3:48
- 10 Blood From A Stone 3:58
- 11 I’ll Find A Way 7:17
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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