Grabbing elements of metal, post-rock and experimental prog and jazz, Russian Circles are one of the most intense live acts around.
The Chicago instrumental act have just released their seventh album Blood Year, some 40 minutes of no-filler grinding grooves, intricate riffs and tantalising ambient build-ups.
Like Swans or Neurosis on a freewheeling detour, the trio build on a theme, shape-shifting passages while always rooting a dig to the gut. If you’re going to these gigs, wear earplugs and have a light dinner.
- Russian Circles play Whelan’s in Dublin tonight (Thursday), Roisin Dubh in Galway tomorrow and the Limelight 2 in Belfast on Saturday.
Moo Kid 