Though "Malko," from Russian Circles' new album Geneva, due for release next month, is just under five minutes long, it runs through a host of genres, touching on clean metal, something we will affectionately call technical emo, stadium rock, math rock and heavy punk. Were they to have a singer to act as cohesive team leader, the Circles might not have the schizophrenic pacing that keeps them compelling. The guitar, bass and drums all get their individual moments here—the bass keeping the song from creeping into piqued riffing, the guitar sharply avoiding soloing while still crushing, and the drums staying fascinated with how much pounding they can milk out. It's like a less dramatic Mogwai, though Russian Circles would probably down beers with the Scots and have plenty to talk about. Actually, they probably wouldn't talk much. See how muted Russian Circles can be on their upcoming tour, dates are after the jump.
Download: Russian Circles, "Malko"
October:
28 - Cincinnati OH - The Mad Hatter *
29 - Atlanta GA - The Earl *
30 - Gainesville FL - THE FEST 8 @ Common Grounds
31 - Orlando FL - The Backbooth*
November:
02 - Birmingham AL - The Bottletree*
03 - Baton Rouge LA - Spanish Moon*
04 - Little Rock AR - Juanita's*
05 - Denton TX - Rubber Gloves*&
06 - Houston, TX - Rudyards *&
07 - Austin TX - Waterloo Park FUN FUN FUN FEST
08 - Oklahoma City OK - Conservatory *&
10 - Albuquerque NM - Launchpad *&
11 - Phoenix AZ - The Clubhouse *&
12 - San Diego CA - The Casbah *&
* With Young Widows
& With Red Sparowes