Birds Of Avalon - Bazaar Bazaar
Style: Rock
Running Time: 41 Minutes and 27 Seconds
Label: http://www.volcoment.com
Birds of Avalon are a curious group of performers. Formed in 2005, the band features two ex-The Cherry Valence members along with several Raleigh musicians, all of which come together produce an exceptionally familiar sound. Their recent effort, titled 'Bazaar Bazaar', smacks of old school rock, complete with steady beats and not-quite-clean guitar.
A first listen will have you questioning the May 2007 release date, as the music feels eerily reminiscent of rock from the late 60s. Many tracks, feature intros with whimsical and seemingly lazy ambience featuring heavy guitar distortion and a rhythm section which pays homage to jam bands of yore. Alternatively (ha), other songs showcase straight forward rock and roll with guitar solos full of feeling. The music is certainly likable and somewhat catchy. Several tracks characterize the sound of the album, and provide a taste of things to come. “Set You Free” is certainly a stand out, with a driving beat and memorable chorus, and is easily the strongest song on the album. Another great track comes at the end of the album by the name of “Lost Pages From the Robot Repair Manual”. Another song with solid direction, it takes off quickly and takes you with it, starting with muddy distortion giving way quickly to old school riffing and never really slowing down. Despite these high points, 'Bazaar Bazaar' ends up not quite filling the rather large shoes it attempts to wear. “Taking Trains” is a song trying to be too many things at once, and the shorter purely ambient tracks prevalent throughout seem like filler in a CD with only a few solid tracks.
'Bazaar Bazaar' is definitely worth a listen, if only for the feel. Naturally, some tracks are weaker than others, but the band is relatively new and they show promise. For a first record, 'Bazaar Bazaar' is good but does not approach greatness. Whether or not Birds of Avalon eventually achieve this remains to be seen, but 'Bazaar Bazaar' is interesting enough to let that be a possibility in the future.
Score: 6/10
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