Emotionalpunk.com
Media Review
Music Quality: 10.0
Production: 10.0
Originality: 10.0
Tracklisting
2. Bozarth
3. House
4. Man in Space
5. Hamartia
6. In Character
7. Of a Certain Age
8. Stellar
9. Beautiful Veins
10. Yavengia
11. Ageyeva
12. Albina Krobot
Imagine an upstart record label tied to a bigger indie label. Now imagine this label holding in its hands the best album of 2007, and arguably, the best of the 2000s. Seems extremely unlikely; right? I mean, I wouldn't blame anyone for sneering at the above statement. It's extremely bold.
Well, take a breath and try to wipe that crude look off your face for Civil Defense League is about to release "Lines" by AVEC, and this album is, in fact, the best of 2007 and quite possibly the best of the current decade.
In an absolutely flawless effort, AVEC has created a 12-song epic that could easily shift the stale state of affairs the indie realm has been reeling in for years. Every song on "Lines" has more punch, more harmony, more intelligence and more creativity than most bands' entire catalog.
Absolutely stunning male and female vocals, complimented with extremely telling lyrics of atrophy dashed with a sprinkle of hope guide this journey as the rhythm section rumbles along like a runaway freight train. Dueling guitar riffs and vocals bring this engine to near-derailment. Fortunately, AVEC is a brilliant conductor, and milliseconds before total combustion, the scenery becomes tranquil, the ride smooths out and life stands still. However, on this engine it is impossible to predict anything. The next turn could bring total chaos, a hypnotic trance or maybe even death. Your guess is as good as the next, and AVEC isn't giving any hints. They want to keep you guessing all the way to the station, and maybe even longer.
For anyone looking for theoretic analysis of "Lines," I will not be much assistance as I could listen to this album on repeat (which I probably will) for the next week and I would only begin to scratch the surface. Wittingly, AVEC does a grand job of blending their vast musical knowledge with plenty of addictive vocal harmonies, crunchy breakdowns faintly reminiscent of late 80s and early 90s post-punk, a splash of fat double bass rolls, and a plethora of rhythms that will have you pounding on your chest, your friend or the nearest innocent by-stander, regardless of whether or not you completely comprehend the musical juggernaut that is AVEC.
Kudos to J. Robbins for producing such a magnificent record, and congratulations to the members of AVEC for being extremely honest, for being unafraid to create something truly unique, and most importantly, for creating an album that stands at the highest integrity of rock-n-roll music.
If you fail to believe these lines, there is proof in the plastic, so do yourself a favor and pick up "Lines" by AVEC. Release date is September 11th, 2007 via Civil Defense League/Doghouse Records.