With their new album, "Geneva," released just a little more than a week ago, the Russian Circles have already gassed up their 16-passenger van and kicked it into high gear.
It has been about three to four years since the Chicago-based band has performed at The Fest, Gainesville's legendary three-day concert series that is known to attract music lovers worldwide.
The trio will play Friday night at Common Grounds. Doors open at 5 p.m., and tickets are $20 without a Fest 8 pass.
The band's new album has received great reviews from many critics in the music industry, including Alternative Press and NME. Guitarist Mike Sullivan said these reactions have been a breath of fresh air.
"You write music for yourself, but God knows how people are going to react to it," he said.
Now that the production of the album is behind them, the band just needs to focus on keeping a high energy throughout its hectic tour season that will last until mid-December. Sullivan said that the band didn't exactly plan for so many things to happen at once, but everything was coincidentally just thrown into place.
Life on the road can be difficult in some aspects, like when it comes to getting a decent amount of sleep or a good meal. But Sullivan said he enjoys touring a lot because everything is so methodical; plus, coffee always seems to hold him through.
"I feel more comfortable on tour than being at home because of lack of privacy and everything," he said. "Every day is a new adventure. I love being in the country, and I love driving, so every drive is enjoyable to me, thankfully."
He is especially looking forward to performing at music festivals, such as The Fest 8 and the Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin, Texas, because it's a chance to take a short break from the typical touring routine.
"On tour you see the same bands every night, and with festivals it's a good change of pace to say hi to your friends, step back and enjoy a concert, not just play it," he said. "[The Fest 8] especially is very diverse, and there are a ton of people so it makes for hilarious people-watching."
Another reason touring is so exciting for the Russian Circles is because the band members are highly enthusiastic about giving off energetic live performances. Sullivan explained that the band is very meticulous about the technicalities that go into its shows.
"It is just fun to go up there and grow from our previous experiences, keep doing what we are doing and see how it progresses," he said. "We are tighter and stronger as a band, and it's been awhile, so we are ready for it."
