French Prog trio Oaks have released their muchly anticipated debut LP, Genesis of the Abstract, via Argonauta Records.
The trio describes their sound as 'Conceptual' and that is a better way of summing up 33 minutes of a powerful and evocative instrumental album. The Paris-based band has drawn influences from Tool, Russian Circle, and Mastodon across various musical contributions.
'Genesis of the Abstract' begins with an opening monologue over angular guitar riffs and segues into the ten-minute 'The Harmonist', a track that builds slowly to a thunderous climax. The groove-laden riffs have a crisp and dense texture. The trio knows how to convey a compelling story through the language of music with these haunting tracks reflecting a world in disarray. The aggressive stomping rhythms of 'The Chasm' arrive with a dynamic of slow, cumbersome basslines against the fast tempo of the lead guitar.
The mellow blues of 'The Dawn' feels like a new chapter in the band's progressive elements before we move onto the six-minute 'The Abstract', with its menacing rhythms that build with its moody tones to another fierce climax. And finally, 'The Shape' wraps things up with an outer monologue over a dreamy soundscape.
Overall, Oaks proves instrumental metal can engage the listener without the need for lyrics to instruct us of the story. Nevertheless, 'Genesis of the Abstract' is thought-provoking, refreshing, and enjoyable for those rock fans wanting a change this new year.
Words by Anselm Anderson. Rating 4/5
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