steering clear of the mainstream
since 2001

june 2010

review
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info opinion

Avenpitch

Self-titled CD

Omega Point Records

Genres: synth-pop, industrial rock

band website

Nov 17 - 23 2003

Avenpitch make arena rock for the synth-pop generation.  Or something like that.  Electronic beats and loops are mingled with rock guitars and vocals, and the resulting style sounds a bit messy but surprisingly melodic.  This, their debut album, has been released on dependable indie label Omega Point Records, and it certainly is an interesting disc.

Sometimes Avenpitch are on their game; at other times they're completely off the mark.  While you've got disasters like "Housecat" and "Escape Reality" on this record, there are also some really good moments.  "Walrus Teeth" is one of the better tunes here - its breathless, pseudo-industrial-rock sound is surprisingly enjoyable.  "Hacienda," meanwhile, takes the cake.  It is powered by an absolutely wonderful staccato sample and its vocals are intensely infectious.  The sonic wreckage that is "Sisyphus" also impresses, in a synth-core meets industrial rock sense.

Overall, this disc is something of a mixed affair, but it boasts enough catchy tunes to warrant some excitement.  Avenpitch will need to refine their music, but they seem to be on their way to something good.

78%

Matt Shimmer

[Vitals: 10 tracks, distributed by the label, released 2003]