Abzorbr - Capable of Teetering
Rating
RIYL
AtmosphereAesop Rock
Busdriver
RJD2
Tracklist
12 Sleepy Dreamer13 Afterglow
14 Fist Fight Or Flight
15 Routine Lovers
16 Maslow’s Hierarchy Of Conflict
17 Private Permission
18 In Other Words
19 The March Of Nickels
20 Thorn Picks Rose
21 She Childish Perfection
23 1st Song Abzorbr Ever Recorded To Save Your Life
24 Time Obeys Change
25 A Reminder
26 Something’s Missing
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A lot of people focus on stereotypes when they think of hip-hop and rap. Usually, it is centered on synthesized beats, big cities, money, and scantly clad women. Some things most people won’t think of include live instrumentation, intelligent laptop electronics, and Milwaukee. Yet, all of these things are relevant to Abzorbr’s debut album. With Capable of Teetering, they aim to break all expectations. The band features brothers Graham & Casey O’Brien who handle the instrumentation providing a live rhythm section. Vocals and lyrics are provided by Kristoff Krane who utilizes a variety of styles.
Containing some of the best instrumentation on the album, “Sleepy Dreamer” serves as a good introduction to this unusual trio. Vocalist Kristoff Krane switches between freestyle, spoken-word, and singing with rapid-fire delivery. The next song includes similar ambient electronics with the rhythm section providing the foundation for the melody leaving room for improvisation. The stream of consciousness lyrics are a breath of fresh air especially when they weave in and out of the beats with a unique melodically driven groove. “Childish Perfection” is the most upbeat song on the album and contains a bouncy and infectious rhythm that could definitely get people moving.
Somewhere along the way the record starts to lose momentum, however. The problem with an album built on improvisation is that it doesn’t work all the time. Some of the lyrics seem out of place and some beats just don’t fit. There are definitely some sluggish parts contained on this lengthy CD. It would undoubtedly benefit from less filler since it has a meaty 15 tracks. I find it’s most enjoyable in small gulps giving time to absorb the significant songs.
Abzorbr keeps things interesting by incorporating a fair amount of diversity. Both fast and slows songs are featured, allowing them to use different instrumentation and exhibit their versatility. This record presents notable displays of potential which is not yet fully realized. It is good to hear a hip hop band that is willing to embrace some elements of post-rock even though they may fall short at times.
--Dave Spak
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