Airbag: All Rights Removed

All Rights Removed is the second efforts from this Norwegian act. Their debut Identity was very well received by the press and fans alike. At first, the name Airbag sounded pretty strange for a band, but don't let this fool you.

This sophomore output contains six new tracks, for 50 minutes of good progressive music. The compositions show some strong influences from ambient masters Pink Floyd; as well as other progressive bands like: Genesis, Porcupine Tree and Anathema. I personally enjoyed the ambient keyboards and guitar solos that are really reminiscent to classic albums such as: Animals and Wish You Were Here . Airbag was able to re-create what Gillmor and Wright had left us in term of musical heritage, without sounding like copycats. After all, how could we say that we have too much of a good thing, right? The leads and solo bring that touch of intensity with the various effects and pedals like fuzz, echoes and the likes. The numerous long musical breaks are really the highlights on this album and this is where these instruments shine with all the darkened emotional hues that we got so intoxicated by in the early 70's. The closing track "Homesick I-III" is where Airbag surpass themselves in re-creating that 70's vibe. On this number the long lasting musical break is so Pink Floyd-ish that you will be deeply immersed in the Wish you Were Here and Animals era, so to speak. The songs are all well written, not too complex and none of them show sign of weakness, music-wise. On the other hand, I had a bit of a problem, nothing too big though, with the vocals. Without being bad or out of key, they are monotonous and one-dimensional. For example, when song #2, "White Walls" plays, you have the feeling he sings the same song as the previous tune. Then later on "Never Coming Home", the same phenomenon occurs. Fortunately, the musical parts are taking the most parts and the listener will be pleased by the Genesis style of "The Bridge" or the darkly instrumental with violins named: "Light Them All Up".

Perhaps with a different name and vocalist, this band could really attract a huger fan base. Still, the music recorded here is definitely worth listening to.

Track Listing:
1- All Rights Removed
2- White Walls
3- The Bridge
4- Never Coming Home
5- Light Them All Up
6- Homesick

Added: December 18th 2011
Reviewer: Denis Brunelle
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 3353
Language: english

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