So I decided to post my critiques of a couple new albums; Circa Survive's "Blue Sky Noise" and Envy on the Coast's "Lowcountry." To begin, I believe that both of these bands are incredible, and have produced some amazing music. On Letting Go was a big influence on me, very meaningful and close, and I felt I could almost touch the music, as if it were something tangible (no, I do not abuse any kind of drug). After saying that, I am very happy to report that Blue Sky Noise did not disappoint. I have heard reports that this album "could not live up to On Letting Go" and was "a completely different sound". I agree that the sound of BSN was much more upbeat and the lyrics were much more direct. As opposed to On Letting Go, where you had to dig beneath the surface to catch all traces of cynicism and their meaning in the song. However, at some point all artists must tweak their sound or they'll get boring and nobody will want to listen. Altogether I felt that Blue Sky Noise was just as powerful as its predecessor, and I will definitely be back for more Circa Survive in the future. On a more sour note, Lowcountry was an album for which I had very high hopes. Upon my first listen, I was shocked by how little of it I actually enjoyed. My second run-through was a little better, and by the third time I was accustomed to it and able to appreciate it more. Sadly, the more Southern sound of the new album failed to impress me as I had wanted it to. I do however, stand by my earlier statement that artists must change, and I did like close to half of Lowcountry's songs; for example Numb is a stellar song and quickly became one of the top played songs in my library. All in the same, though, the sound that came across in this album was not to my aesthetic. I am very happy to say that I still am in love with EOTC and their music, and I can say for certain that I look forward to another album, one that is more pleasing to mine ears. Just my opinion. ~MethodicMadness