CircuitDive
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CircuitDive

Brooklyn, New York, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2016 | SELF | AFM

Brooklyn, New York, United States | SELF | AFM
Established on Jan, 2016
Band Electronic Alternative

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"Outside of Time single review"

CircuitDive is an experimental, electronic duo featuring composer and multi-instrumentalist Brandon Chapman (aka Francis Tombwrecker) and Jerrra Blues (aka Alena Ivleva) a Russian immigrant, singer and model with a background in hip-hop and freestyle. Brandon composes, produces and mixes the music. Based on Brandon’s thematic material, Jerrra writes the lyrics and, in collaboration, they complete the song together, each having equal input to final songwriting decisions. If this songwriting process sounds unusual, it is and it should be because CircuitDive is all about writing outside the lines as they seek to leave a one-of- a-kind musical print. CircuitDive released their debut EP, ‘The Coded One’ in January, 2017. Off 'The Coded One' comes their highly original single, "Outside of Time."“Outside of Time” has a fantastic, engaging introduction. The song opens with an eerie, low bass synth sound that slowly builds with layers. At first, a single repeated note plays on the quarter, creating anticipation. That note is quickly joined by syncopated hollow, digital textures weaving around the beat like raindrops followed by thick, lush strings. All of these textures take you, quite suddenly, to a larger-than-life groove enhanced by pounding drums and percussion; there is an overall ancient vibe that is still modern; it is at once surprising and exciting.

Over this soundscape, Jerrra enters with the first line of the song. “Shine. Outside of Time. Out of the way. To violate. Your inner doubts.” Jerrra’s voice cuts above the mix with a formidable presence; she fits perfectly as if her voice is a higher instrument capable of holding its own. Jerrra sings “In liquid shapes. Whispering light. They penetrate. Circuit of dive. They run…” At this moment, the song does a 360 turn, taking you into a new atmosphere in which the sound stops then quickly presents a digital swirling scramble as Jerrra starts to sing, “They run, run, run, run.” This moment is exhilarating.

Musically, there are plenty of moments to “wow” you in “Outside of Time” which is over four minutes in length. From the intriguing introduction with its’ driving groove to the use of digital instrumentation and more, there is never a musical moment that is left unattended to - Brandon has considered and attended to every detail. At 3:49 minutes into the song, there is a percussive section that introduces an atmospheric moment that fades then bursts back into the groove as Jerrra showcases her incredible range hitting and holding notes in her upper register with ease. The song ends in an almost industrial, robotic fashion as if a battery is slowly dying and the last blips are heard.
"Outside of Time "was the first song that Brandon wrote specifically for Jerrra to craft lyrics for. He wrote the composition in one day, gave the music and a title to Jerrra, and they met in the studio a week later - the rest can be heard on their EP. This duo has a chemistry, like the music itself - It's energized, daring, risky and rewarding. CircuitDive had a vision to create music that would be the antidote to the “plastic, static, over glamorized, and watered down” music world around them and it is clear that they achieved this vision with music that is highly original and doesn't fit into any typical genre box; instead CircuitDive bursts the seems of the box, breaking down the boundaries and limitations of traditional structures to create more than a musical landscape – they have created an entirely new musical world that spins on its own axis. For more information on CircuitDive, please visit their Website. - Indie Spoonful


"The Coded One EP"

CircuitDive is an alternative electronic duo featuring American born (Virginia) composer and multi-instrumentalist Francis Tombwrecker and Jerrra Blues. Jerrra is a Russian-born singer and model with a background in hiphop/freestyle. Francis composes, produces and mixes all the music while Jerrra develops the lyrics based on the material she receives; both artists collaborate on the final outcome. CircuitDive released their debut EP 'The Coded One' in February, 2017; the EP is a contemporary art form, an intense genre-outlier that is both non-formulaic and non-traditional.

The first song off of The Coded One is the song “Outside Time.” This song is a great introduction to the unique expressionism that CircuitDive offers. The song begins with eerie ambient sounds that gradually build with a variety of electronic instrumentation, until string-like instruments cut into mix leading to the drop of the beat. At this point Jerrra enters giving a haunting resonance that blends perfectly with the instrumentals. The approach to CircuitDive's vocals is one of instrumentation as Jerrra’s voice, acting as an instrument itself, explores unique ground. “The Coded One” has multiple points where the instrumentals and vocals completely change up, making this an exciting entrance from CircuitDive.

Next up on the EP is “Evonestra,” another engaging addition. “Evonestra” is riddled with intricate rhythms and captivating production by Francis. The ever-changing soundscape pulls you in from the start and the effects used on the vocals give off an electronic vibe that allows Jerrra’s voice to blend into the instrumentation. “Evonestra” gracefully takes you through periods of what at first sound like instrumental chaos only to give way, seamlessly, to calmer moments that glide you through waves of different emotions. The songs haunting lyrics linger like a ghost, “My sweet angels, my corrupted spirits.” One of the best lines is “Are you haunted or am I possessed?” This song seems to speak about self-destruction and indulgence.

The third song on the album, and title track of the EP, is “The Coded One.” This fast-paced, energetic track will get your blood pumping. It kicks off with a dial-up like sound that immediately leads into a heart-thumping drum loop. “The Coded One” is sure to be a crowd favorite with its piercing production and melodic lines. CircuitDive utilizes highly poetic material for their lyrics, leaving room for interpretation. “Unpredictable. Isn’t quite right now. I’m encoding myself in your net. Unpredictable. Isn’t quite right now. I’m encoding myself in your net.” “Medusa Pearl” is up next, shifting styles once again. The mood is darker with depth; the music feels highly emotional and charged. The lyrics, utilizing mythology and modernism, are captivating.

Lastly on the EP is the song, “The Mysterious.” This song ends the album with a complete bang. It features an intense soundscape to blow your mind with distorted instruments and effects. The vocals enter with a muffled tone, creating a nice edge. “You’re fearless I’m mysterious.” This one line truly sums up the dual nature of CircuitDive’s music; two artists, both fearless and mysterious. They are not going to spoon-feed you music that tastes like any other and they are not going to write lyrics about holding hands on a beach. CircuitDive steers away from the mainstream without apology as Jerrra’s vocals blend, bend and bleed into Francis’s intelligent and contemporary compositions. 'The Coded One' will take you on a musical trip like no other if you are up for a ride outside the ordinary. To listen to their EP or for more information on CircuitDive, visit their website. - Noteworthy Music Reviews


Discography

Outside of Time (Single) 1-17-17

The Coded One (EP) 2-17-17

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Bio

Intense, Dark, and emotional. 

CircuitDive is the brainchild of experimental musician Francis Tombwrecker. On a cold February evening, after a year of lineup changes and soul grinding growing pains; Francis Tombwrecker meets Jerrra Blues. Their lives, forever altered, are now sonically interwoven and unified in the singular pursuit of the enchantress (Sound). CircuitDive is Transcendental, glitchy, gritty and melodic, sexy and enchanting with booming bass n drums and intricate innovative compositions. A soundscape: psychedelia. 

Band Members