Band : I Am Abomination
Album : Passion of the Heist (EP)
Release Year : 2011
Genre : Progressive | Post-Hardcore | Experimental
Tracklist :
1. Vivication
2. Abduction
3. Examination
4. Transformation
5. Ascension
6. Invasion
There is pressure enough in the music world to fit in a certain category and live up to its expectations. The nature of the beast is that bands whose vision overreaches their fans’ are later frowned upon. But for whatever reason, this doesn’t seem to phase I Am Abomination, whose progressive approach to rock involves innovative expansion of sound while still remaining intensely approachable. A year ago, I Am Abomination gave us To Our Forefathers, a debut album rich with punchy guitar riffs and creatively laced synth melodies. With Passion of the Heist, the group takes the listener through a mini-narrative involving nothing less than a full-on UFO invasion - and the ride is fairly thrilling, to say the least.
The EP opens with what almost seems like a clip from the movie Signs, with eerie footsteps and warbled alien voices leading to the next track; “Abduction”. Sampson’s guitar lines hold no punches, and the relentless jamming is complimented by Phil Druyor’s smooth vocals. The story continues, from abduction to ‘Invasion’, each song capturing the image of an other-worldly experience. Attack Attack’s Caleb Shomo employs harsh vocals on the track ‘Ascension’, preventing the EP from coming off as too glossy. In fact, I Am Abomination’s adoption of low-tuned guitars and absence of most synthesizer action just shows that the duo is more than capable of showcasing impressive songwriting in the more traditional post-hardcore vein.
Despite all of this, the EP still seems to hold few hooks. Blame it on the production or on the fact that everything is going on all at once, the songs seem to run together unless given a very careful listen. Unfortunately, nothing is instantly memorable – the vocal lines are catchy but it requires a few spins to grow on the listener. Overall, I Am Abomination put together a great group of interesting songs that hit the listener hard with a favored cliche, one that soon will leave them in the same state - transformed and ready for I Am Abomination to invade.
2. Abduction
3. Examination
4. Transformation
5. Ascension
6. Invasion
There is pressure enough in the music world to fit in a certain category and live up to its expectations. The nature of the beast is that bands whose vision overreaches their fans’ are later frowned upon. But for whatever reason, this doesn’t seem to phase I Am Abomination, whose progressive approach to rock involves innovative expansion of sound while still remaining intensely approachable. A year ago, I Am Abomination gave us To Our Forefathers, a debut album rich with punchy guitar riffs and creatively laced synth melodies. With Passion of the Heist, the group takes the listener through a mini-narrative involving nothing less than a full-on UFO invasion - and the ride is fairly thrilling, to say the least.
The EP opens with what almost seems like a clip from the movie Signs, with eerie footsteps and warbled alien voices leading to the next track; “Abduction”. Sampson’s guitar lines hold no punches, and the relentless jamming is complimented by Phil Druyor’s smooth vocals. The story continues, from abduction to ‘Invasion’, each song capturing the image of an other-worldly experience. Attack Attack’s Caleb Shomo employs harsh vocals on the track ‘Ascension’, preventing the EP from coming off as too glossy. In fact, I Am Abomination’s adoption of low-tuned guitars and absence of most synthesizer action just shows that the duo is more than capable of showcasing impressive songwriting in the more traditional post-hardcore vein.
Despite all of this, the EP still seems to hold few hooks. Blame it on the production or on the fact that everything is going on all at once, the songs seem to run together unless given a very careful listen. Unfortunately, nothing is instantly memorable – the vocal lines are catchy but it requires a few spins to grow on the listener. Overall, I Am Abomination put together a great group of interesting songs that hit the listener hard with a favored cliche, one that soon will leave them in the same state - transformed and ready for I Am Abomination to invade.
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