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Aberdeen based music project Abfa are very much under the radar at the moment. To date the group have released two demo recording singles ‘Scurry’ and ‘In No Doubt’ and also a demo recording EP ‘Layabouts’ which is the subject of this review.
Although the project may be relatively new and is just beginning to gain momentum in the local music scene at the moment, this does not take away from the potential that the group have to develop on to much bigger things in the very near future. If the current released demos are anything to go by, I personally can see Abfa quickly earning a reputation around the country with their music for a number of reasons.
Recorded through iPhone’s and iPad’s (according to the band) the quality of sound production achieved from Abfa’s released material is quite astounding. In fact, it is so good, I am personally considering the recording approach for demo music of my own in the near future. The two released singles from the band, ‘Scurry’ and ‘In No Doubt’, feature first and second respectively on the ‘Layabouts’ EP.
Both of these tracks immediately set the tone for the EP with shoegaze fuelled influences such as Ride and Slowdive flourishing throughout. Another Scottish group who also comes to mind with this style of music would be also another very new project at the moment named Drainpipe. The Dundee based group fronted by Matthew Tonner (bassist of Dundee band Sahara) are very similar to Abfa in many ways having currently released demo material and both share very similar musical influences in their material.
In the ‘Layabouts’ EP, for me, the stand-out track is the title track ‘Layabouts’. Featuring third after the two earlier mentioned singles, the track opens with an impressive, reverb driven bass line along with what almost feels like a warping effect on the drums. From the offset the sound is captivating – soon to be elevated further with the nonchalant strum of the guitar providing a tranquil atmosphere to the track full of reverb and delay. In addition to this spaced-out scene already blossoming, the introduction of the vocals placed to a similar volume level of that of the instruments works well to tie into their musical influences whilst not being unnecessarily prominent and overpowering.
Abfa’s production efforts throughout their EP are highly laudable. However, ‘Layabouts’ certainly stands out as a unique sounding track showing that the group clearly have a solid idea of the soundscape they’re aiming for which will pay dividends when coming to more advanced recordings of their material in future.
Further notable tracks on the EP such as ‘Showcase’ displays a prodigious vocal performance – the stand out vocal performance on the EP for that matter – alongside an ever-increasing array of different instruments and effects featuring as the track progresses such as a delicate acoustic guitar and distortion adding further depth and texture throughout. ‘In No Doubt’ features a lush, ambient guitar tone that is very reminiscent of the band’s shoegaze influences in conjunction with a durable drum performance throughout which again displays the group’s playing capabilities alongside their production talents.
Be sure to check out Abfa’s social media pages (links below) and keep a close eye on any upcoming gigs for the group hopefully in the very near future.
Social Media / Song Links:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/abfauk/
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