Circa Waves was formed in Liverpool in May 2013 by Kieran Shudall. After writing a batch of songs and putting some demos online, he recruited second guitarist Joe Falconer, bassist Sam Rourke, and drummer Sian Plummer (replaced by Colin Jones in 2015). The band released their sixth studio album `Love & Death Pt.1` recently which was written as a coping method to help process frontman Kieran Shudall’s near-death experience. Kieran received a call in early 2023, from doctors to say that the main artery in his heart was severely blocked. Two days later, he was lying on an operating table watching a wire being inserted into his heart to fix it.
The album opens with ‘American Dream’ a mid paced reflection on a visit to New York, a kind of realisation of the American dream but for a young lad from England. A rolling beat and throbbing bass line lead us through `Like You Did Before` a song that reveals an uncertainty as to whether a lover will still love you after a life changing procedure you must undertake.
‘We Made It’ has a really expansive feel and has a kind of optimistic narrative about sharing and surviving tough times together with that special someone. A number that The Killers would love in their repertoire, I’m sure. I read that ‘Le Bateau’ was named after a Liverpool club and recalls euphoric, youthful nights out. All delivered over an energetic accompanying soundscape.
‘Hold It Steady’ opens with shimmering guitar chords and is a reflective relaxed easy going offering that appears to be about somebody close who gives you a purpose to live. We have an upbeat animated aura with ‘Let’s Leave Together’ although it relates to wanting to leave a crowded place so you can be yourself when alone with your partner.
‘Blue Damselfly’ is a gentle and tranquil composition and as a blue damselfly is often interpreted spiritually as a symbol of purity, transformation, and positive change, especially related to emotions and personal growth, it may be seen here a kind of metaphor. We enjoy in `Everything Changed a number that is pretty dreamy at the onset but becomes more robust as it evolves.
`Bad Guys Always Win` closes out the album and seems to be cautionary tale of trying to do the right thing which seems to be the opposite to what could succeed. A quite jagged fast paced number.
Understandably `Love & Death Pt.1` seems to be a cathartic album in tribute of coming through a difficult time and in praise of those who stuck by in those dark times. A fairly uplifting and emotive listen.
Rating 8/10
