AVO is an evolving three-piece indie rock band from Brooklyn, NY. The band’s music is a mash-up of funk, soul and acid rock of the sixties and seventies. AVO creates drama with their unique arraignments and plays on melody and style, but the album somehow seems disjointed and lacks polish. This being the band’s sophomore release one would expect more even from an indie band. AVO’s first record ‘New Concepts in Food’ is a polished, pop-driven album that is pleasing to the ears and has potential for more widespread appeal to a mainstream audience. The album was definitely a concept driven one.Hocus Pocus” src=”http://www.audiocred.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1003939_385428638249255_810414581_n-300×300.jpg” width=”300″ height=”300″ />
However, on the band’s latest release ‘Hocus Pocus’, concept seems to be more of an afterthought. It sounds more like a garage band practicing for their latest gig. The album itself is marked heavily by drums and bass, and is at times dominated by it. However, the deep, raspy tones and vocals from guitarist Mr. B and bassist Ronnie DF blend together nicely at times. The funk, rock album kicks off with the aptly titled tune “The Hook”.
“The Hook” has a funky, folk sound that conjures up images of Woodstock, Bob Dylan and movies like”Saturday Night Fever” or “Fast Times At Ridgemont High”. Raspy vocals and a riff that catches your attention further highlight the track and it’s a nice kickoff to the album. However, the 15-track album keeps the same pace until you make it to the halfway mark and that’s where things get a little more interesting. One of those gems is”Savior Tooth”.
“Savior Tooth”, is a fun, funky up-tempo pop song, vocals are more polished and the blend of electric guitar and drums work together rather than fight against each other like some of the previous tracks. The sound is reminiscent of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and work well for radio. Other standout tracks on the album that deserve a listen include “You Are What You Are”,”Rely On Carothers” and”Cop In A Booth”.
AVO’s nascent focus seems to be more gaining the listener’s attention with crafty song titles and or quirky tongue in cheek references than producing a concise and clean album with grit. Wake up, AVO: The foundation is laid and with some polish AVO has potential.
3 / 5 bars
Stream the entire Hocus Pocus, and check out AVO’s SoundCloud and Facebook.
