Though Circa Survive grew out of Philadelphia’s emo and hardcore scenes, the band quickly shed any shades of brusque punk in favor of spacious, dynamic, prog-tinged rock. Full of earnest choruses and sharp melodic turns, it suggests U2 weaned on Rush and Rites of Spring instead of Siouxie and The Clash. Like Thrice or Thursday, Circa Survive offers a glimpse of what mainstream rock might accommodate apart from post-grunge grumbling. —Bryan C. Reed