Russian Circles - Nine [Indie Exclusive]

The title is literal. This is the ninth Russian Circles album, and after two decades the Chicago trio have never released a bad one or, arguably, a surprising one. What they have done instead is refine a single idea to the point where nobody else does it as well: instrumental music that builds like post-rock but hits like metal.

Mike Sullivan's looping guitar figures still do most of the architectural work, layering until a riff arrives that has been implied for two minutes. Brian Cook's bass carries more of the melody than most listeners notice, and Dave Turncrantz plays the whole record like the drums are a lead instrument. "Borehole" opens heavy and stays there. "Eluvial" gives the album its breathing room, and "Seventh Seal" closes on the kind of slow crushing build the band have spent twenty years perfecting.

No vocals, no concept, no reinvention. Just three musicians who have played together long enough to make dynamics do the work that words do for other bands.

Pressed for independent retail on eco graphite vinyl via Sargent House. If you have the other eight, you already know.