I volunteered for this one based on the name, but if there is one thing I have learned in reviewing, never judge a book by its cover. The actual cover is an intentionally childish (or impressionistic) drawing of what appears to be a whale or a bird. Onwards, the intro is promising, being industrial and folky at the same time (yet retaining the feel of a mood piece rather than a song). The first song is moody acoustic piece, supported by a backbone of monotonous sounding synths and a whisper of heavily processed vocals which are the only time they appear on the CD. It is too short for what is wants to be and ends rather abruptly.
The second theme utilizes a similar sonic palette, but the motifs are different. Then a very eerie sounding fuzz guitar lines come in with some vintage percussion. This is like a progressive mariachi band with gothic overtones. It sure as hell has nothing to do with metal. But the mood achieved is remarkable, and the band could easily score the next Robert Rodriguez outing.
The third track is noticeably darker, with the bass giving a sense of foreboding, and the lazy yet odd percussion adding to the mounting feel of bad things about to happen. I heard this on headphones early morning on my weekend and it made the day seem surreal and depressing. Easily the best track here, it ends the CD.
Somewhere between acoustic doom, and industrial noir folk, this is a short but tantalizing release. Extra bonus points are to be awarded for the archaic scripting of the package and the bizarre press release on dated scroll-ish paper. While the term “medieval” is thrown around here (and re-enforced through the presentation), even on multiple listens the feel remains that of an acoustic funeral doom band or a gothic mariachi outfit. It’s one guy’s twisted vision out of Finland, and has me looking forward to how this saga unfolds (in the upcoming full-length).
NOTE : Another blow to the record industry at http://www.archive.org/details/BirdFromTheAbyss
-Suleiman
VITALS:
Release: 2009
Label: Self Released
Avantgenre: Mariachi Doom
Duration: 13:01
Origin: Finland
Official site: http://www.birdfromtheabyss.com/
Review online since: 15.08.2009 / 17:39:45
| TRACKLIST:
1. INTRO / BEGINNING AT CENTER OF THE CHAOS / AZATHOTH AND FLUTE (1.54) |
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