I just thought I might help spread these two bands around because I don't believe they have got that much attention, and I'm not doing it just for them to get attention, they sound great. Many people I recommend these bands to really enjoy them and end up getting hooked.
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Circa Survive
They are a very experimental band, and yet all their music sounds perfect. They spend so much time just making sure everything on their songs runs smoothly and that everything fits. Some people might recognise the name Anthony Greene from Saosin, in Circa Survive his voice just highlights an already great sound. Two guitars, one usually running high pitch original riffs throughout the whole song and one with the backing chords. The riffs are also used along with the vocals and both mix so well. They have released three albums so far, each carrying a slightly different, yet exhilarating sound. From their opening album, Juturna, "In Fear and Faith" is one of those songs that highlights the whole album and really deserves some attention, along with a lot of the other songs from the album. While their newest album "Blue Sky Noise" carries a very clear cut juicy Rock sound, with several solos that just go so well with the songs. They are more soothing solos then blast it away solos.
If your going to start off listening to this band, search them up on YouTube, a lot of their very good songs will come up first, In Fear and Faith, The Different Between Medicine and Poison is the Dose and Act Appalled.
If your going to go out and buy an album straight away, I recommend starting with On Letting Go, it is one of those albums that is near perfection.
Portugal the Man
If your one of those very Indie people like me, or just general great music lovers, this is a very good band to get around. They are very Indie, utilizing a mixture of Rock, Jazz and Indie. A lot of sound effects and some nice bass to throw songs around. They are a very enjoyable band to listen to if you just want to hear something different every now and then. And they aren't very popular, not very popular at all, but their music makes up for that. Songs like "1000 Years" fit so perfectly within any music lovers iPod, I recommended this band to a few of my friends a while ago, and they listened to it days on end. Definately a band to look into. If your going to have a listen, try some of these songs; The Dead Dog, 1000 Years and Just a Fool.
If your going for an album, go for American Ghetto.
Your won't be wasting your time, trust me.
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So I hope some people out there recognise the great music these two bands make, because I think they need more attention, the best thing about them is that they are very personable bands. I recall Circa Survive throwing fluro balloons into the crowd at one of their concerts, running a silent movie in the background and even cracking jokes at the start of their concerts. While Portugal the Man is one of those bands that could walk down the street and have a friendly chat with just about anyone.
http://actappalled.carbonmade.com/