Abeyance can be defined as a temporary suspension of
activity. The band Abeyance fits this term well, for
when you first hear their music, you will stop dead in
your tracks to enjoy their pleasing melodies.
Consisting of five guys from the Birmingham area,
Abeyance is a pop/rock group that was formed in May of
2003. Led by emotive vocalist Ben Jones, this
fledgling band has quickly made its mark, sharing the
stage with popular acts such as The Rising (a personal
favorite) and Dexter Freebish, playing at clubs such
as The Nick, and even performing at one of our own Birmingham Buzz IndieZ Showcases at Workplay. Ben is joined in the band by the dual-guitar assault of Kyle Godwin and Dave Karr, the sturdy rhythms of bassist Kason Godwin, and the timely yet timeless beats of
drummer Chris Lee. Abeyance has put together a 3-song demo that showcases their spine-tingling modern rock sensibilities, at times reminiscent of Switchfoot and
Oasis, yet wholly unique and genuine.

This disc gets into gear with first track “Shift”, an aggressive, uptempo rocker with bitter lyrics and a shouted chorus. This is the song where Abeyance most resembles Switchfoot, primarily in the riffs and breakdowns. But then, the lyrical tone here is much harsher than typical Switchfoot, as the song closes with the kiss-off line “Don’t want to see your face here anymore”. The lyrics are not only harsh but also
lack hope, as in these lines: “No love left to be found, now tell me how this sounds, it’s almost over”. The middle track “Stand” takes the band in a different direction, sounding somewhat like an outtake from Brit-popsters Oasis. The song starts with a classic rock-inspired riff, then becomes a bouncy power pop song (though the chorus is merely adequate). Ben’s vocals are what call to mind Oasis, sounding like a more nasal Noel Gallagher. Like Gallagher, he uses what I call an “elegant sneer”. This is apropos, when
you consider the tone of the lyrics: “Stand here as we fade away, as our minds never change, and we owe all the blame, to all of you...and we’ll run you into the grave”. The final track displays the kinder, gentler side of Abeyance. “After All” opens with a gorgeous
riff (reminding me of Guns’n’Roses) and swells into a grand chorus with vocals so earnest they would even tug at Montgomery Burns’ heartstrings. The lyrics appear to be a marriage proposal: “I will hold you in my heart, above all else I swear, and on one knee, give in to me, and take me as I am”. There is also a really cool solo in the middle, a pleasant surprise and a true rarity in modern alternative rock.

This demo is a fine sampling of the elements that comprise the sound of Abeyance. These songs can be heard at www.myspace.com/whosabeyance/. Fans of any of the other bands mentioned, or just supporters of local music, should check out Abeyance when they appear at Workplay on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17). Obey your thirst for good new music and give Abeyance a try.

(photos courtesy of Abeyance and BhamBuzz)

 

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