No History, No Consequences,
Circus ActI first encountered Circus Act on the Milliepeed Records 'Dirty Half-Dozen' split and to tell the truth, they didn't set my world on fire. Their vicious brand of post-hardcore certainly had its moments but seemed to be one step short of really being necessary. So it's with great pleasure that I can say that 'No History, No Consequence' marks a huge leap forward for the band, filled as it is with moments of dark hardcore and more poignant, reflective punk rock.
'What Is It Worth' is one of the best songs I've heard all year, pushed along by a rolling guitar line that is catchy without being predictable, one of Circus Act's most potent weapons. The recording can be termed scratchy at best but that detracts nothing from their impact, letting the low end blur together into a punchy rhythm as the vocals veer from piercing screams to a deeper yelp that fits well on 'Versatile Situations For Modern Day Living'. By far and away the best part of 'No History...' is the fact that Circus Act sound so totally unhinged – everything is held together by a thread; and while it may seem on 'Shit/Fan Interface' that things are coming apart but they're held together by a young band very much in the ascendance.
It might seem a touch disjointed but the low-key 'Var Im Helvete Ar Min Sauvsach?' (haven't a bloody clue, before you ask) shows a more controlled side of Circus Act that bodes well for the future. It's a brief instrumental interlude that suggests that they've got a few tricks up their sleeve without having to resort to the whole quiet-loud thing that a lot of bands tend to rely on. It also shows that they're not afraid of taking a few risks – while there does seem to be a conscious theme of post-hardcore (in name only, I hasten to add) throughout, there's also dozens of moments that are genuinely exciting because of their ferocity or their speed: check out the climax of 'Hey You! Let's Dance' to hear recorded chaos.
Circus Act are by no means the finished article, but there's enough on display here to start getting excited about. I know I've used the heinous term 'post-hardcore' throughout this review but it's the nearest name that can be given to what CA do – I urge anyone to check them out if you like your music a bit rawer than your average shizzle.
Ben
www.circusact.org.uk
