Russian Circles

I don't receive the opportunity to see instrumental in nature artists very often. On Monday September 6th, 2010, I was given the chance to see three. Downtown Lincoln was completely dead, as if the few at the Bourbon were the last of a Labor Day apocalypse. I made my entrance just as Omaha's own The Answer Team took the stage. The four piece band were good, they have what it takes to fit into a crowded genre. They have a lot of potential to grow into the genre. As they proclaimed that they would be playing a new song, they went into a more complicated, more mature musical ballad then the previous material they had been playing. This is the point in which they hooked me. Although, they still lack what the final two bands had, in order to fully engage it's audience members. They weren't as tight as they could have been, but that doesn't take away from the budding potential that is there. They are definitely a band to keep an eye on over the next few years. I am excited to see how they progress.

Machete Archive took the stage next. I went into this show with high expectations for this band, and they delivered. I am confident that they are one of the best bands coming out of Nebraska. Frankly, they were the perfect opening act for Russian Circles. They have high energy, and rocked the place out for a solid hour. There is no reason why they shouldn't have many successes in the years to come. I look forward to watching them grow as a band, and will continue to go out and see them for as long as they keep playing shows.

At last, Russian Circles took the stage. No microphone. Nothing flashy. They were there to solely play a great show. And they did just that. In much the same way that Explosions in the Sky, fellow instrumental gods, gives themselves to the music, Russian Circles moved through their set as if they couldn't give a hoot whether anybody was even there watching. You can tell that they truly love music. Just as music is a gift to the world, they became a gift to the music. When you can completely submit yourself to your instrument and let it take over, you are doing something right. The three Chicagoans fell into that whirlwind of music, and put on an unbelievable display of musical talent. After the show, I was given the opportunity to speak with the guys for a little bit. I always appreciate artists that genuinely seem to enjoy talking to their fans. For a band that doesn't speak a word during their set, to see how personable they were was something special. I am always curious how a band perceives the crowd, and whether they are planning on a show being a tad bit bigger than it ended up being. From the sounds of it, they were pleased with the turnout. That is always rewarding as a fan knowing that you have accepted the band as much as they would have desired. Russian Circles deserve the reception that they have received over the years, and probably deserve more than that. Here's to them growing as a band and becoming bigger than ever.

http://www.myspace.com/russiancircles