| CD REVIEW Abinaya |
 |
|
Band: Abinaya Although to many (myself included) it will be the first time they hear about the weirdly named Abinaya (apparently the word “abinaya” comes from the Sanscirt language, meaning “passing on”), this Paris based Heavy Rock act has an activity score going back at least a decade, since they released a first self-titled promo album in 1999, and issued a first official album (again eponimous) in 2004. Today’s line-up comprises lead singer/ guitarist Igor Achard, bassist Andreas Santos, drummer Nicolas Vieilhomme, and percussionist Nicolas Héraud, the latter responsible for bringing the tribal touch (and an occasional Southern flavour) to many of the songs, which are on the one side too heavy to fall under the mere Hard Rock banner, and on the other side too rich in Rock influence to be liked by Metal purists! On top of it all, the band brings its lyrics (which are not devoid of a certain degree of poetry – one early reviewer even clamed one of the texts to be partly lent from Baudelaire) in their native language. The album now on the streets for a month and a half, reviews have been coming in, bringing along several comparisons and praise. UK’s Rockrealms website praised the French band for not giving in to singing in English (which a lot of bands do in hopes of getting onto the American market), and talks about an overall vibe which “…is like a collision of Roots-era Sepultura, Cro-mags, and Charles Aznavour…” while also recognizing “..;a great selection of Zakk Wylde-esque pinched harmonic moments…”. Zicazine talks about “…incredibly deep lyrics, burning topics, sharp riffs and dizzying melodies…those guys know what they’re doing…”, describing the music as “…a bit like as if Lynyrd Skynyrd would let themsselve allow into Creedence Cleerwater Revival territory, and the next moment doing the same with Black rebel Motorcycle Club…”. Guitar Mag about “…an excellent command of all instruments!”. Metallic Doormat: “Nice surprise! Powerful sound, efficient riffs, well-placed French vocals. I recommend!…in spirit I think of Noir Désir, Luke (forcibly), and the first Silmarils. In essence there’s real originality here, and in contrast to many other bands, one can hear the percussions quite clearly! There’s also a certain variety on this album: some tracks are close to Metal, while others are simply French chanson…”. Finally, an outtake from the Heavy Sound review: “If you like native language singing and listening to vitaminized Rock alà Bernard Lavilliers, sometimes alà Trust during “Les Chars De Police”, doped on amphetamines, don’t hesitate!” Praising words, and what’s for sure is that some of these reviewers have at least taken sóme inspiration from the influencial bands mentioned at the band’s Myspace page (besides the aforementioned Noir Désir, Black Label Society, Trust, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, you’ll also find Wolfmother, Spiritual Beggars, and Creed). The truth lays somewhere in between. Even though Achard will probably never win a singing contest…what he does comes out just right, becàuse he brings his lyrics in his native language! I’ll just mention that while the band plays rather heavy Rock for the most part, they’re also not afraid to occasionally pick up an acoustic guitar, which has resulted in the semi-ballad “Algo Mais (Quelque Chose De Plus)” and the totally acoustic (just guitar and some strings) “Partir Puis Revenir” (both counting among the better moments on the album). The band prooves there’s some kind of continuity in their work by bringing a re-recorded version of “L’Homme Libre”, a track which was already featured on their 1999 promo…and has since become a live staple! If you indeed have an afinity for French Rock/ Metal, you definitely need to check out the 3 tracks posted at myspace.com/abinaya. Play ‘em a couple of times in a row and you will find yourself hooked and wanting for more. And now that you’re “warned” that you can expect a couple of calmer moments, you know that you can go out and buy the album without risk of being disappointed! 90/100 Tony. |