4/17/05
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Should you flip your monitor upside down, you'd know I'm talking about the twisted self-titled album from Abinormal.*
Abinormal is a collection of eleven deeply personal fist-pounding meditations influenced by numerous sub-genres of eighties and nineties hard rock. The indomitable Charlie Miller belts out little glimpses into his soul (presuming he's the lyricist) and is at his best when he digs down deep in gut-wrenching passion. I try to avoid direct comparisons with popular artists (that would tell you more about the reviewer than the reviewee) but here's a pretty obscure reference: Mr. Miller sounds at his best when he reminds me of Devin Townsend.
The instrumentation is tightly attacked and precise. They are riffers. Probably all that separates most of the music from metal is the lack of extended guitar solos. The opening track, Empathy, has a kicking free-time intro. Abinormal shows its range with the lovely (and sad) Au Revoir (Mike's Song), and jams on Parting Is Such . (Just Go); a great closing number with an infectious outro. Junior is also a very nice guitar piece. I'm not too fond of the clean guitar tones, especially on The Spark, which may be the most commercial tune of the bunch.
I'd like to see them work harder on the building guitar interplay epitomized on Squeeze, featuring a very cool riff with a catchy chorus.
The song I keep going back to listen to over and over again is the energetic Empty Spaces. Alternating between screaming fury and measured optimism, this tune has the biggest hook.
Abinormal is a good listen and their CD shows why they have such a loyal fan base.
- The Grouch
* Not responsible for reckless monitor-flipping behaviors.
