Circa Waves - “Never Going Under”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 9

Pairs Well With…The Vaccines, Kaiser Chiefs, The Killers

Returning eight years since their SXSW debut in 2015, Circa Waves have moved from an exciting upstart with a few singles then to a powerful Brit-rock force on 2023 record Never Going Under. the fifth full-length from the London-based band. Arena alt-rock mixes with pure pop elements as Circa Waves’ music harkens back to classic rock and punk touchtones, filtering those influences into an upbeat, handclap-enticing performance. While decidedly big in sound, there’s still enough raw, rock-and-roll grit to imagine Circa Waves still playing in a grimy basement somewhere. That element gives Never Going Under a real sense of heart, a much needed core to balance their hook-heavy hits. While Circa Waves gig on big stages during the UK festival circuit each summer, SXSW is a chance to catch them in the backyard of a small bar, performing Wednesday night for PIAS at Half Step. (Kevin McStravick)

2015 Review: Their style is a mix of Libertines-cool and handclap power pop, an upbeat agenda that is immediate and easy to follow.  The energy in all four of singles that comprise the band’s first EP (a full-length is due this spring) is unrelenting.  The ‘demo’ tag included on a couple tracks is almost laughable - bands try for years to capture this sound, never to reach for what Circa Waves pulled off with their first swing.  “Young Chasers” is an introductory highlight - at only two minutes, Circa Waves perfectly displays who they are and where they are going.