Rob’s Album Of The Week: Caspian’s On Circles

There’s a good case to be made that Caspian is the most important rock act in New England so far in the 21st Century. That’s quite a claim, but the Beverly, Massachusetts post-rock act has forwarded the style to the extent where numerous up and comers hold them as an influence. It’s impressive how consistent they’ve been musically over the past 15 years. They have a knack of making instrumental songs that run like a river abundant with riffs, rhythms and beats with emphatic tones shining over them. Their fifth album, On Circles, that came out on January 24 via Triple Crown Records is their latest installment.

What makes this record so good is the versatility of it. There are some atmospheric songs, some absolute rippers and a few acoustic ones. Keep in mind, Caspian has four members who can play guitar in Philip Jamieson, Calvin Joss, Erin Burke-Moran and Jonny Ashburn so upping the volume is never an issue. It can’t be applauded enough how fantastic Justin Forrest’s drumming is. His way of making beats is forceful while having a continuous presence. Bassist Jani Zubkovs is also the unsung hero due to his way of keeping it all jumping off of his bass lines.

It’s a new year and this is my first edition of this review column in 2020. Sorry for getting this out a little later than expected. My home city of Providence, Rhode Island got hit with…