Anavae

Introducing Anavae;

So I'm a sucker for a good female vocal, always have been. This years highlights so far have been Pvris, The Marmozets and there are very few days that go by where I haven't listened to at least one We Are The In Crowd song. After Tonight Alive's slightly disappointing album release at the beginning of this mouth (the biggest anticlimax ever to exist) I was in need of a new sassy female-led rock band. That said I was introduced to Anavae by the beautiful Dais whilst on our trip away to the Peak District. She discovered them aimlessly on Spotify and knew straight away they'd be right down my street.

Since then I've literally had these guys on repeat. The vocals by Rebecca Need-Menear are oh-so British which makes a nice change from my norm. Her vocal strength is shown particularly in their slower or acoustic songs, stripping back the synth and focusing solely on the lyrics. Their acoustic of Anti-Faith for example is one of my favs. Part of 2013's Dimensions, this is the final track leaving the listener almost in a trance and gives almost the 'come down' from the previously heavier tracks. I love the way the album starts and ends with Anti-Faith making sure it's the main song left in the listeners mind. It is a quality track, and is their most popular release to date.

That said my favourite off the album is actually the song Hang Man. It takes apart the instruments in the intro starting with the drums, then the electric guitar riff before smashing them together. Probably one of the best intros I have heard since Royal Blood's Out of the Black. I can imagine Anavae starting with Hang Man live; elongating each instrument solo to allow a new member of the band to take to the stage. Hang man really shows just how talented Jamie Finch the guitarist is too, showing exceptional skill in particular at 2.15. Although it's a rather simple riff, the octave change makes it go from pretty chilled to a heavier and rougher vibe. I just love this section so much especially when reintroduced to the original riff from the intro afterwards.

I think Dimensions as an album on a whole is impeccably written. I love how each song has a forever changing vibe throughout even though they're the same vocals, guitar and drums. For example, the Wanderer starts almost with a You Me At Six vibe but then suddenly changes to incorporate some Pvris synth in the final verse, whilst the song Aeon includes an almost Naked and Famous synth. Weird combination right? But Anavae pull it off to perfection. They're showing English rock variety at its best and them switching up their sound so regularly means the listener never gets bored. It's hard to believe Anavae is only a duo; yes all this talent crammed into only two band members at first seems like an impossible feat but the band show it is entirely possible.

Their most recent track released last year, Feel Alive, is an absolute tune, once again showing a different side to the band. I am very much hoping this is a teaser for a potential new album. Signed to LAB Records I am sure Anavae will be smashing onto our screens very soon so watch this space.