Absence Of Birds, The [Digipak] - Oddfellows Casino

Advantages: Not overlong at 10 tracks, gets better with each listen.
Disadvantages: Opening track not the strongest.

...All the best records take a few listens (at least) to reveal their true nature. On first play this sounded like a typical 2nd album - longer tracks, less up-tempo. A month on this has to be my favourite CD of 2007. Nearly all the 10 tracks have resolved into fantastic, atmospheric (and not always gloomy!) tales of urban life and escape. Great tunes underpin the songs, with the now-trademark steepling guitar riffs standing out most in the choruses. Some not unwelcome echos of The Smiths are to be found in the lyrics, most obviously in the title track, but tracks like Weight of the World and Escape The Nest are really uplifting, the latter also containing the finest moments on the album with its soaring, thrilling chorus. What a live track that promises to be... Recommended! Ok then, what about the digipak? Well if you like a glossy... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great production, awe inspiring agressive/clean singing with TRUE feeling, modern, fresh
Disadvantages: Not quite as good as their stunning debut

...of 'Smut King' and 'Fire Alive', your missing two great tracks by 'The Haunted'. 'Smut King' is possibly the most insane track on offer here, and it's another bonus track. The pace is quickened faster than most bands would like to think possible, while remaining in the realm of sanity, here's some proper Thrash! Only slowing towards the last third of the song for a great chugging riff, until the band breaks down and the track ends. The album ends with the unbelievable 'My Shadow'. You know those moments where the hair stands on the back of your kneck, when you know that what you are listening to is something REALLY special, well 'My Shadow' is a Metal Moses for want of a better word. The chorus where Dolving gravelly sings 'Seal the absence of my shadow, All my dreams condoning arrows...' really made my hair stand on my kneck, and even... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: 11 Tracks Of Pure Genius
Disadvantages: The band split up

...At The Drive-In have to be one of the most influencial bands of the 90's, now having split up and members departing to Sparta / The Mars Volta, their musical talent still continues. In / Casino / Out was the 4th label release, following Acrobatic Tenement, Vaya, and El Gran Orgo. The album was recorded live - rather than using tracking and each member recording their part - to get a more raw sound, the band all recorded at the same time. You can tell this from listening to the other EP's & LP's, and there is a lot more emotion like this. Alpha Centauri kicks off the album, followed by Chanbara - if these two tracks don't get you loving At The Drive-In along, then you have Hullahoop Wounds. This track is a bit more mellowed out than some others, but still amazing. Still not persuaded?? Napoleon Solo comes next, and is possibly my... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful