My FIRST Time Hearing Spiritbox! Circle With Me Reaction 

I always like to see someone discover Spiritbox! They’re from Vancouver Island in Canada (though the lead vocalist is originally from the US, her family having moved to Canada when she was 15). Spiritbox was formed in 2017 by the lead vocalist, Courtney LaPlante, and her husband, Mike Stringer (the guitarist in the video). They had previously been members of iwrestledabearonce - Courtney replaced original vocalist Krysta Cameron when the latter left to raise a family (Courtney was previously the lead vocalist of Unicron) and Mike joined later, in 2015, from Fall in Archaea. They left IWABO in 2016 to follow their own musical path and founded Spiritbox. The bassist, Bill Crook, soon joined them (he left on amicable terms in the first half of 2022), and they were initially helped out on drumming duties by Mikey Montgomery of IWABO, before Ryan Loerke took over. When Ryan left due to family commitments, current drummer (who you saw in the video) Zev Rose joined. On bass currently is Josh Gilbert (previously from As I Lay Dying) who is touring with Spiritbox. Courtney writes the lyrics and her vocal melodies. She often uses a darkly metaphorical poetic style, which can variously be somewhat autobiographical or based on an imagined viewpoint, or a combination. She purposely leaves the lyrics open to interpretation so that the listener can infer a meaning that they enjoy or find helpful, but she is very open in interviews and has explained this one - it’s about her own struggle with self-doubt and the conflict between that and the drive for success, both from within and from outside influences. Though it’s all collaborative between band members, Mike is the main writer of the instrumental music, and is a multi-instrumentalist. I remember reading that Circle With Me’s music was written very quickly by him in around an afternoon in the studio, late in the process of recording their album Eternal Blue, as a Valentine gift for Courtney - she then added the lyrics. Eternal Blue was released in September 2021, having been delayed by the pandemic, and is their first full-length album - previously they’d released singles, compiled into the Spiritbox EP and then The Singles Collection EP (different, later singles). From the period of the EPs, singles or well-known and liked tracks were (I may miss a couple, or get them out of order, apologies if I do) The Beauty of Suffering, Electric Cross, Perennial, The Mara Effect (Parts 1, 2 and 3), Trust Fall, Belcarra and Bleach Bath. Between these and Eternal Blue they released two stand-alone singles, Rule of Nines and Blessed Be, which are both deservedly popular with fans. They then released five tracks from Eternal Blue as singles in the period between July 2020 and the album’s long-awaited release in September 2021 (it had also been delayed by them getting a recording deal with Rise Records). The tracks were (in order) Holy Roller (which brought them a lot of attention), Constance, Circle With Me, Secret Garden and Hurt You. All show a variety of styles. In 2022 they released a single in collaboration with EDM producer and musician Illenium, called Shivering. A few months later came a new 3-track Spiritbox EP, comprising the title track Rotoscope, plus Sew Me Up and Hysteria. Aside from always being metal, Spiritbox’s musical style constantly evolves but also fluctuates according to their own tastes at the time. Their earlier work could sometimes have a more complex, progressive flavour (the single from the album, Secret Garden, rather brings back that style) but in an interview I read, Mike said he started to wonder during the earlier period if he was writing such complex music just to show how he could play, and decided to tone it down a little (like Courtney, he seems refreshingly self-deprecating and thoughtful). Courtney has done a lot of true one-take vocal videos (Mike has some impressive guitar play-throughs too, and I think Zev has some drumming videos as well). Courtney’s one-take of Circle With Me is fantastic, and she does something amazing with the faster section near the end. Her one-take of Rule of Nines is also great as it showcases her humorous side. Their official videos often have a spooky theme - the one for Holy Roller was shot in large part by Mike on his phone because of lockdown, and used props borrowed from the recent wedding of friends, but is really effective - there’s something on your wall which really reminded me of it! I’ll let others recommend what else of theirs to listen to (I just recommend anything/everything!) and I really should shut up now…. 😂

Courtney LaPlante is the front lady. Her husband Mike Stringer is the guitarist. Zev on drums, fantastic. I don't know if Josh is officially their bassist or just their touring bassist right now. Courtney is devastating! If you're going to open the Spiritbox can of worms, you need to fully dive into the Spiritbox wormhole. I can not recommend Rule of Nines and Belcarra enough. You should watch the music video and then Courtney's live one-take performance for each of these songs. Can't go wrong with Yellowjacket, Blessed Be, Sun Killer, Trust Fall, Hysteria, Rotoscope, Silk In The Strings, and of course The Mara Effect Live at Silverside Sound. 🖤✨️

Hey I'm just gonna let you know spiritbox has a thing where they want to make songs that sound nothing like eachother. I'd suggest you listen to rhotoscope, secret garden, silk in the strings, and holy roller just so you can see the contrast

My favorite from them is their first: The Beauty of Suffering. But don't get me wrong, their newer stuff is also great!