Q and not U - No Kill, No Beep Beep, 2000

It hard to talk about bands from D.C. without mentioning Fugazi, especially one so obviously influenced by the masters of the D.C. scene. And I won't lie, there are parts of this record that scream Fugazi, but really only in the homage category. Largely, and impressively, this band offers us a vision of post hardcore that really does make you think. And not just politically, but about love, life, laundry, and symbolism. These men were not fools, nor talentless copies of success. They created themselves amid the huge weight than can and has destroyed many bands out of D.C., and made themselves stand out by not just being in the right place at the right time, but speaking with voices and instruments melodically, methodically, and with hooks that still get me all these years later. "D-O-W-N and that's the way we get down..." My, my, what a wonder thing. And, my, what a wonderful album. Sadly, their later records didn't have the same depth for me, but this album has been, and always will be, quite near the top of my list of the all time greatest. You will not regret this record. No one does.

Circa Survive - On Letting Go, 2007

reviewed by Judasfry

I found out about this band a few years back after recovering from a serious bro-mance with 'The Mars Volta'. Searching for something that had similar lyrical depth... and some serious chops to live up to for a fan of TMV. I discovered this Philly based group that met the challenge and then some.

This release shows some growth from their first full length release 'Juturna' (which I also really liked, but between the two, this one is much tighter in production). The album title correctly instructs what we should all do with life's insecurities. The songs reflect the intensity that life's troubles can inflict if carried for far too long, and is pleasantly tied up with sweeping landscapes painted by the coordinated musicianship of the band as a whole. The album artwork is again a wonderful piece by Esao Andrews.

The opening track starts off this album adeptly and contains a great line "He makes it up as it goes, it goes away." Reminding us all that sometimes off the hip doesn't always make good permanent scenarios. From there the album continues a maddeningly pace, nagging the listener to try and keep up. The guitar lines phasing from simple lines to more dreamy phrasing, the drums & bass pounding the urgency home.

All in all a great bit of tune-age. If you dig this as much as I did, you might check 'Juturna', and if seeking something a bit slower paced, but still having the lyrical depth, the lead singer's solo release 'Avalon' is a great choice. And likely to reviewed at some later point by this reviewer.

[Rock and roll is the culmination of hundreds of years of popular culture. Some say it's leading us down a slippery slope of loose morals and wrong ideas, to a place where all of us will fall off the edge of a world that's just too flat. But not this editor, and obviously, not Mr. Judas. In a world where folks want to be handed the next best thing, it's refreshing that somewhere out there exist people of honest principles, who work to be proud, not to be paid. People who only want the best for their listeners, regardless of the cost in terms of comfort. Not every band gets to be the Rolling Stones, but enough of them try, edge of the world or not. Proof positive, though the world may be square, a few of us are actually listening to the rounders.]