Title: Geneva

Label: Sargent House (Echo Park)

Format: 2LP on clear vinyl, gatefold, 12-inch poster, 1000 pressed (2000 on black wax)

These Arms Are Snakes have called it quits, but mourn not -- those math-inclined hardcore mavens have left intact a bounty of bands in their family tree. Russian Circles hail from Chicago, and like their neighbors in Pelican, carve wordless compositions out of a mix of metal and Mogwai-like post-rock. Make no mistake: though brains come into it, brawn is the primary force at work here. On Geneva, the band mostly eschews subtlety in favor of metallic might ("Fathom"), chugging guitars ("Geneva"), and sludgy tones ("Melee"). The album's strongest tracks add something else to the mix -- "Hexed All" is a bit more contemplative, and "Malko" actually toys with some power pop -- but even when Russian Circles are just flexing, they cut a pretty impressive figure.

Download: Russian Circles - "Malko" [MP3]

Purchase at your local independent record vendor (INCHES recommends Origami or Vacation), or right now via the web store.

via LA WEEKLY