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Album reviews Music

Absolutely Free

Rating: NNNN


Back in 2012, when Absolutely Free formed in the wake of DD/MM/YYYY’s abrupt breakup, the Toronto trio likened their new songwriting approach to building a ship in a bottle. It would be precise, patient, and full of restraint, a contrast to the high volumes they pumped out as their former math-rock outfit. Now, two years later, the band is finally releasing their self-titled debut. They stuck to their word.

Produced by Fucked Up’s Mike Haliechuk, Absolutely Free. blurs the lines between psychedelia and krautrock, employing mellow synths, prophetic heavy drumming, cyclic organs, found field recordings and calming three-part harmonies. The album swells, twists and turns, but rather than feeling helplessly meandering – a pitfall of the genre – it has an organic pacing that naturally starts and ends with each song.

Seeing Absolutely Free live is a visceral, physical experience. But hearing them on recording, where repeated listens bring out new layers – a whispered backing harmony, a glimpse of a sun-soaked synth line – suggests that perhaps headphones are the ideal medium.

Top track: Burred Lens

Listen to Vision’s here.

Absolutely Free play Lee’s Palace Friday October 17 and Saturday October 18.

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