Audrey Horne
No Hay Banda

It had been quite a while since I'd listened to a rock album (in the true sense of the word) done right. The album in question is this "No Hay Banda" (2005) by the Norwegians Audrey Horne (clearly named after the charming girl from the magnificent "Twin Peaks" series by David Lynch).

At first glance, upon reading some of the names involved, one might wonder if these shady figures have more to do with metal than with rock. Indeed, we have on guitar and keyboards Arve Isdal (on the six strings with Enslaved, Malignant Eternal, and I; which is Abbath's new group from Immortal) and Herbrand Larsen (keyboardist for Enslaved), on bass Tom Cato Visnes (formerly of Gorgoroth, Jotunspor, currently also with I and the interesting Sahg) and on second guitar Thomas Tofthagen (guitarist for the already mentioned Sahg). The style of these amiable Norwegians is a modern rock that reminds us at the same time of Alice in Chains, Faith No More, and some not too veiled reminiscences of the Scandinavian rock scene.

The songs are structured in a very simple and linear manner, with choruses that are never trivial and immediately stick in your head, driving rhythms, and excellent vocal solutions, courtesy of singer Toschie, who flaunts a truly varied and inspired singing style. The band's work in the arrangement phase is truly excellent. The opener "Dead" starts with a tight and oppressive vocal to then burst into a very airy chorus, "Get a Rope" and "Blackhearted Visions" highlight the band's more rock'n'roll urges (and here come the influences of Gluecifer and Hellacopters), without neglecting simply applause-worthy refrains. "Confessions & Alcohol" (in my opinion the best of the entire platter), "Deathhorse" and "Bleed" present us with the epic, bitter, and reflective side of Audrey Horne. Very peculiar are "Weightless" (here and there hints of Pink Floyd can be heard) and the very long (almost nine minutes) "The sweet taste of revenge", which relies on a tension-filled structure for the verses and bases everything on emotion in the extraordinary chorus. The production by Arve and Herbrand, in collaboration with Joe Barresi (Queens of the Stone Age and Tool among others), best balances power and clarity.

All the musicians involved deliver a pleasant and engaging performance in equal measure. I truly feel the need to recommend Audrey Horne's offering to everyone, or let's say, to lovers of good music in general. In these times, in my humble opinion, one should not miss the opportunity to enjoy a little over an hour of music made with real passion... in the meantime, I'm waiting for the second album...