Audio Fiction Album Cover

EDITOR’S NOTE - Our reviewer initially downloaded tracks in the opposite order, which explains some of the comments below.

Alternating between hard rock vibes to sweet melodious intonations Audtio Fiction brings you their new album, the appropriately named, Audio Fiction.  This rock band has Kristin on vocals, Darren on bass and keys and Mark on drums (who apparently can cause quite a stir with or without his drum set).  Completing the creative package is the lead guitarist, Charles, who is absolutely amazing.  His technique, for me, is transcendent.   The true stands-outs of the album that highlights their ability are “Suffocate”, “Race the Hourglass” and “Ever Wonder”.

I like how the band starts off with the high energy songs, “Way Out” and “Kite High”. Both melodies are interesting while “Kite High” has a kicking percussion and guitar back drop. The guitar solo in this one is truly sick and will make you want to dust off your old guitar to start playing again (and mine is pretty dusty…). The third track “Wishful Thinking” is a soft sounding, vocally driven song, bringing out the band’s acoustics.

For me, the next track, “Ever Wonder” is the perfect vehicle to display Audio Fiction’s rock band mentality. It is strong, heavy, and even wailing at times.  Audio Fiction is on top of their game when they embrace these heavy elements.  Kristin gives such a powerful performance while at times sounding vulnerable.  And, I must state, Charles can make his guitar do anything.  In this piece he is on fire. This band can be sweet times, but if you mess with them, they WILL throw a chair in your face.

Next, “Race the Hourglass” has an awesome time signature expression.  In addition, the guitar solo integrates seamlessly and I admire the layered beats.  The sixth track, “Johnny Go” has a punk-inspired sound and is catchy.  These two songs do a great job to exhibit the range of Audio Fiction, although at times I feel like they are competing personalities.

Track 7, “Days Like These,” starts off with a fun arcade zap.  I am sure this song is supposed to sound fun, but I just can’t get into it, and I’m a hell of a fun person.  The chorus is just out of place to me, and on top of it the vocals are stretching. Next, “All I Have” is another song that plays on Audio Fiction’s organic side, which for me pales in comparison to their rockability.

Next, we have one of my favorites, “Suffocate”, which is absolutely menacing!!!  Kristin’s voice is so much stronger, in the vein of Shirley Manson from Garbage.  Along with the frenetic tempo of the song, the guitar solo injects a hefty dose of metal.  I think it’s brilliant. The closer, “I’m Alive” starts off as mellow, but speeds up with awesome drums and the help of a charged guitar solo.

This album offers a wonderful bag of goodies: sweet melodies, amped guitars, and awesome drums wrapped together with pure rock energy.  At times, I feel like they may be playing around with dueling styles, but overall their talent and technique will never leave the listener fatigued.