Philadelphia's Circa Survive, fronted by guitarist Colin Frangicetto and vocalist Anthony Green, mixed hardcore, emo, pop, progressive-rock and heavy metal on Juturna (Equal Vision, 2005), that contained emotional songs such as Holding Someone's Hair Back, Stop the Car and Act Appalled. The effect was somewhat akin to Mars Volta and Coheed And Cambria.

On Letting Go (2007) was more predictable, and the band sounded less intense, despite the virulent Semi Constructive Criticism and Mandala. The path towards a mainstream sound was clearly marked.

They achieved the punk-pop stars with the polished singles off Blue Sky Noise (2010): Strange Terrain and Get Out.