Silvester. Apneu

Silvester sounds like an album of a band that decides to not cut out corners and left the file, usually applied to the edgy parts, at home. The result is a very direct and noisy album that despite the alternative rock feel is not able to conceal the stellar songwriting skills the band has within its ranks.

Apneu travelled to Stuttgart to work with producer Ralv Milberg of Die Nerven fame, a band you can find on this blog as well, to record its new record. As my Apneu experience does not exceed a live show, I have no comparison to offer, but the Milberg - Apneu combination works. That much I dare to say.

For one thing it seems there was no need to compromise on the sound. The band can go full out but also holds back, making sure the album has a fine balance between noisy songs and pieces of rest. 'Chuck Beverley' has a soft beginning. At least, when I dismiss the rough sound in the background. As if the neighbours a few houses down the street are at with chainsaw. Probably extremely loud in the studio, mixed nicely into the background, announcing things to come. An up tempo song, that does not go all overboard. They save that for the wilder 'Sugar Rush' that comes next. On Silvester there's no rest for the wicked.

With Silvester Apneu fits in nicely with the other acts on Subroutine Records that I have been introduced to over the past year and some. So you can expect alternative rock, with some punky edges, but nearly always a good song lying over or hidden under the alternative rock (noise). Silvester is no exception. Listen and I hear at a minimum 75% worthwhile and (exceptionally) good songs. Yes, there is a song or two I think are not as good, but the rest simply is just fine. Apneu manages to present us the melodies while rocking away as loud as it takes to get the song across. Allowing for breathing space.

To compare. In some spots the band reminds me of Maxïmo Park from 2005-2007. The same kind of directness in the music is presented, but from there Apneu always takes a left turn, seeking a louder and more defined, close to dissonant sound between the guitars and much louder played instruments. In that sense the band moves more towards punk of the alternative kind. Like Maxïmo Park dared to play live but not on record. This dare all works on record for Apneu. Although this music, obviously, is not for the faint of heart. Just like '20' blows its top, rock and roll to the max alright.

Those loving a nice alternative rock record that dares to rock all out know enough.

Wo.

You can listen to and order Silvester here:

https://apneu.bandcamp.com/


or listen to our Spotify Playlist to find out what we are writing about:

https://open.spotify.com/user/glazu53/playlist/6R9FgPd2btrMuMaIrYeCh6?si=KI6LzLaAS5K-wsez5oSO2g