Avagami, Metagami

Avagami doesn’t play typical rock — few bands put keyboards in the foreground as much as these guys do. This Chicago duo doesn’t even use a bass on their debut album, Metagami. And the only “real” instrument here is a saxophone. So they deserve credit for that. More questionable, though, is the fact that singer Eric Lebofsky sings all his parts with this goofy childlike voice which you either love or hate. But okay, it does contribute to their unique sound, which you have to admire.

The other member of the duo, Matt Espy, does a lot of cool things with keyboards and electronics, too. “Fuck the Man” has some scary electronic sounds that, if they were about twice as loud, would sound like a Parts and Labor riff. “Sickly Time” has some cool riffs supported by what sounds like a dying Game Boy. “Luxus” features a catchy keyboard riff with menacing, distorted keyboard chords behind it.

On the other hand, Lebofsky’s vocal style doesn’t help them. When the singer tones it down, it works much better, like on “Mushy,” “Small Victory,” and “Never Let Me Down Again.” Those three also happen to have the strongest melodies and arrangements. The rest of the songs, however, aren’t very strong, and the over-the-top vocal style makes it that much more annoying.

If you enjoy Lebofsky’s style of singing, you may enjoy this record. But an entire album of vocals in this style is not for everyone, even if the melodies were stronger. For a song or two it works, but over a whole record it gets old. On the other hand, this may be perfect iPod material — and there won’t be anything else like it on your iPod!