Artist: Abiku
Country: USA
Label: Automation Records
Formats: CD
Year: 2007
I remember hearing Abiku for the first time somewhere around this time last year, it was the split 7” EP with Myles Of Destruction from the end of 2004. Quite a surprise to me, as both acts were fresh sounding creativity in its purest form. Even more surprised I was when I found the full-length album of Abiku in my letterbox without giving my address to anyone, so how they found me is not too clear. But that this freaked duo delivered a great album is nothing to be doubtful about.
I am pretty sure most of our readers are not aware of this band, as it is not exactly the thing you would expect here, but as we are an extreme music zine this fits in perfectly. A description is therefore on its place. Abiku is best described as being something close to Atari Teen Age Riot mixed with My Ruin (mostly because of the similarities with Tari B’s vocals) and added some Aphex Twin kind of freakiness, add the alternative sides of bands like Maskesmachine and Drillem and last but not least the idiocy and totally insane kind of creativity that is to be found in PIL (Public Image Limited), the band Johnny Rotten established after the Sex Pistols, I mentioned PIL because of the vocal lines which sound somewhat similar at times. But mentioning all these (slight) resemblances is not too very accurate as Abiku makes there own kind of music which is hard to describe but very extreme on its own. Mixing heavy (power) electronics, with noise and all kinds of different soundscapes. The female vocals by Jane ranging from allmost spoken-word to hysterical screams and screeches gives the music something uncomfortable at times. Definitely worth the try if you’re in for something new, something strange. The only thing that bothers me is the length of the album, clocking in just under half an hour is a little short, but perhaps that is also the strength of this album, which is a great one for openminded people. If you’re in for something wicked…
