Circa Zero, Andy Summers' new band

I was unpleasantly surprised there wasn't a months old thread dedicated to them already.

For those not in the know: Circa Zero is the new band founded by The Police's guitarist, Andy Summers. The two other members are a bassist and drummer (reminds you of anything?). Both are at least 10 years younger, while still just as talented. Their debut album is due to come out this March. Listen to the preview on iTunes or where have you.

I am surprised no one cares.

My connection is constantly too bad to stream songs and play videos. I'll get back to this thread after I listen to any of their songs when the connection improves.

I marvel at how only one person cares about Andy Summers (one of the guitar gods) and whatever he's up to.

It's like a Stephen King thread in the literature section getting no replies.

Finally the connection is good enough to buffer a song.

Circa Zero is not an exactly a great band. I didn't expect myself to listen to a Police rehash but Circa Zero is only above average for me, at least judging from their song "Levitation". Andy Summers' riffs aren't placed in the forefront of the song unfortunately but they are catchy. Rob Giles' vocals is too thin, too restrained to lift the song up, no pun intended. The drummer is fine and unsurprising but she makes an effort.

When you think about it, "Levitation" is similar to some conventional indie pop groups which ape the most recurrent sounds in the genre. The band need time off to seek some inspiration to think of several fresher ideas, like how The Police employed reggae in their songs.

edited 23rd Mar '14 12:58:49 PM by tropeslave

You must have incredibly high standards for rock bands then. I eagerly anticipate your example of a better band.

And please don't say you only listened to Levitation. It is the most conventional track on the album.

EDIT: Just got Light the Fuse & Run from iTunes. It's my favorite track, and I just cannot wait till I could buy the CD.

edited 25th Mar '14 2:37:45 PM by KlarkKentThe3rd

I listened to some of the songs on Youtube and some of the samples on iTunes and they sound pretty good. The guitar playing is definitely great and makes even the weaker ones enjoyable. I can't say any of it blew me away, though. I do think the vocals are a weak point; Rob Giles isn't bad or anything, but he's certainly no Sting.

Not sure how he can be compared to Sting, having a completely different singing style and all.

Yeah it was a little dumb. But I don't really like his voice. Like tropeslave said, it reminds me of generic indie rock.

I guess if there's a worthwhile comparison to be made between Giles and Sting it's that Sting has his own distinctive voice and singing style and Giles doesn't.

On the other hand from what I understand Giles did a lot of the songwriting for the album and I can't really find fault with that.

Sometimes I want to check out his older band. And I always forget.

Old, but you haven't heard it yet.