Abel – Make It Right
Release Date: September 18, 2012
Record Label: None
If AbsolutePunk.net were Dr. Frankenstein and had to create a new monster – um, I mean, band – using elements of some of our favorite artists, Abel may be the band that emerges from that lightning-struck operating table. Take the poignant lyricism of Thrice, combine it with Brand New’s dark musicianship and add just a pinch of Manchester Orchestra’s vulnerability – voila! – you get Make It Right, the latest album from Poughkeepsie’s Abel. Produced by Matt Malpass (Manchester Orchestra, Lydia, Copeland), the album’s ten track’s explosive guitar work and its passionate lyrics turns Abel’s Make It Right into an album you’ll can’t get enough of.
“I’ll Be Waiting” erupts out the gate with massive guitar chords and Kevin Kneifel powerful vocals – it’s an absolute scorcher that sets the tone for Make It Right. “Fire Walk With Me” continues the trend with a powerful stomp-along anthem, as it’s an indication of the improvement Abel has made from previous releases. There is a great balance of highs and lows throughout, as Abel understands when to unload (the urgent“Daughter”) and when to dial it back (“Fifteen Years”). “Fine Lines” displays this balance in its nearly 4 minutes, as the electrifying intro leads to a calm pre-chorus before unleashing its fire in the final minute.
The most delicious guitar licks occur on the sinister “Your Heart, Your Soul,” a track that will have listeners immediately hitting “repeat.” It’s the best song Brand New never wrote, and the biggest highlight on Make It Right. Kneifel’s voice is the perfect foil for the dark guitar chords of “A Grief Observed,” as his “whoa-oh-oh’s” soar and lift the song up. While the song structures on Make It Right can get a bit repetitive throughout, it’s moments like these that proves Abel is on the right path.
Each track on Make It Right is rich and substantial, and Kneifiel’s lyrics are still relatable even if you aren’t religious. His words deal with failure and being unfulfilled – it’s about facing confrontation and making the best with what you got. You can’t fake that kind of passion and that’s what will keep fans coming back to Poughkeepsie quartet. AbsolutePunk.net’s tag line for years has been “your favorite band may just be a click away.” That motto has never been more true for Abel’s Make It Right.
Interesting to see that score correspond to the heaps of praise dolloped on this album in the review.
Seems like there's a bit of a disconnect.
I may be wrong, but it seems like you liked this album more than the number implies. Care to elaborate?
Just curious :)
Interesting to see that score correspond to the heaps of praise dolloped on this album in the review.
Seems like there's a bit of a disconnect.
I may be wrong, but it seems like you liked this album more than the number implies. Care to elaborate?
Just curious :)
Giving this another listen now. I feel a little All Get Out in it too, along with Brand New, Manchester and even a little Kenny Vasoli in the vocals. I feel like I'll love it as soon as I get past the religious overtones.
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