Audrey Horne - No Hay Banda

Year of Release: 2005
Label: DogJob Records
Catalog Number: DOG003
Format: CD
Total Time: 49:40:00

Evaluation:

Strong songs, excellent musicianship, credible pedigree? No Hay Banda has little to do with metal, and has less in common with the underground than the other bands these guys are associated with (Enslaved, Gorgoroth, et al), and yet there is much here to enjoy for the open minded?

Analysis:

I like songs. I look for music that makes me think ? not that the lyrics prompt new thought or that the concept is arcane and makes me ponder its intent, but rather music that allows my mind to wander freely ? a subconscious reaction to the combination of harmonic, rhythmic and melodic elements that causes my thoughts to aspire upward and onward?

Audrey Horne has created an album that almost does it for me. I like the vocals, the lyrics are acerbic enough to warrant investigation, veiled references that aren't overly obtuse or obliquely maudlin ? tough to craft, hard to find?

Musically there are interesting harmonic twists throughout that create a rise and fall of emotions distinctly enough that it must have been planned that way. The chord progressions perfectly capture the mood of the lyrics (another tough one to pull off) and the songs are cohesively crafted.

I like the vocalist ? he is accent free for the most part, and sings with soul and grit in a comfortable register, occasionally harmonizing with himself to good effect. The guitars and bass fulfill complementary roles if somewhat staid; the drummer has a progressive bent in his ability to drop double bass fills at strategic points throughout, and to nudge the grooves away from the pedestrian. With a little craftier arranging of the guitar parts this could be construed as bona fide progressive rock ala later period Green Carnation and their ilk?

Rating:

4 /5 (the plus is for the lack of pretentiousness in the lyrics and for focusing on the song-craft over instrumental excess)

Summary:

Even though this isn't technically-oriented music, it is progressive rock in that it provides enough challenging harmonic and rhythmic material to allow it to transcend the mundane.

Alice In Chains, Green Carnation, and Faith No More all sprang to mind as I listened to this disc, and I was left hoping that a really great producer would see the potential in the songs and do for Audrey Horne what David Prater did for Dream Theater?

Also released by Tuba Records and by Candlelight Records (CANDLE121CD)

Tracklisting:
Dead / Listening /Get A Rope / Deathhorse / Confessions & Alcohol / Candystore / Blackhearted Visions / Bleed / Crust / The Sweet Taste of Revenge

Musicians:
Toschie - lead vocals
Herbrand - keyboards and vocals
Arve - guitars
Thomas - guitars
Tom - bass
Kjetil - drums

Discography:
No Hay Banda (2005)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin NO

Added: January 5th 2006
Reviewer: Jan-Mikael Erakare
Score:
Artist website: www.audreyhornemusic.com
Hits: 4161
Language: english