Abrams – In the Dark (Review)

Abrams are a psychedelic rock band from the US and this is their fourth album.

Abrams’ sound is an interesting one. The band fuse a few different genres and styles – psychedelic, alternative, stoner, sludge, grunge, and post-metal – into music that drips with gorgeous singing and emotive guitars.

Cave In, Torche, and Mastodon are mentioned in the promo blurb. I’d also mention bands like Baroness and Soundgarden. However, while appropriate, I wouldn’t want you to think that Abrams are mere shades of those bands; Abrams have a personality all of their own, and on In the Dark it is displayed to good effect.

Despite how instant some of the material is, there’s a dreamy sort of feel attached to the songs that’s infectious and near-omnipresent. This is partially down to the songwriting, with its emphasis on mood and feeling even when at its most direct, and partially down to the luscious clean singing, replete with beautiful harmonies and memorable performances from both of the singers.

The music has cinematic depth and broad melodic appeal. Each track takes the influences, themes, and sounds of Abrams and presents a vision of this that’s all of its own. The songs are well-crafted and professionally polished to a glorious shine. Frequently beautiful, the music combines a down-to-Earth approach with soaring aspirations, taking strengths from both to produce a very engaging and striking record.

In the Dark is a very moreish and enjoyable album that’s highly compelling and accomplished. Abrams have created something very strong here, and if you’re a fan of this sort of music then listening to this is a must.