by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Not much is known about The Silver Abduction…but all you really need to know is that this is the first record from a collaboration between Andy Dragazis (the man behind Blue States) and singer Allison Brice (who has previous with The 18^th Day Of May and Lake Ruth).

Their short descriptive biography over on Bandcamp suggests a combination of ‘lush orchestral melodies, church reverb drenched drums intertwined with Allison’s haunting vocals and lyrics.

What’s the music like?

This album is a slow burner, and with repeated listens it starts to become a real treasure. Dragazis has a great deal of experience on beautifully voiced pop songs, and here he makes some richly coloured productions over which Brice can work her magic.

The lyrics themselves suggest wistful, lovelorn situations that are given real meaning by Brice, who sings with deep emotion. There is definitely a pop sensibility that suggests Stereolab, Broadcast or Saint Etienne – the latter on Remember My Heart especially, which is a pop treasure.

Thermocline is a winsome combination of Dragazis’ orchestral palette and Brice’s flexible vocals, while Careful On The Ways is a wistful, late summer beauty. Quarter To Two tells a vivid story, while the closing Cecile is a waltz in what feels like an empty fairground.

Does it all work?

It does. These are pop songs with depth and subtle but lasting expression, and the album is ideally structured. Brice could pretty much be singing about stocks and shares and still make a lasting impression – that she’s not makes the album even more meaningful.

Is it recommended?

Definitely. The Silver Abduction are a treasure, and hopefully this is the start of a lengthy musical relationship. A beauty!

For fans of… Saint Etienne, Dubstar, Kinobe, The Sundays

Listen and Buy

Published post no.2,301 – Saturday 14 September 2024