Dublin-based Indie-Electronica band, Akrobat, stands as a unique force in the contemporary music scene. Consisting of a varied blend of cultures, ages, and backgrounds, Akrobat mirrors the contemporary Dublin and European lifestyle. Their music surpasses typical genre categories, expertly combining aspects of indie, garage, electronica, new-wave punk, funk, and jazz. This diverse method enables Akrobat to craft a unique sound that effortlessly transitions between the conventional and the experimental. At the core of their creativity is a dedication to writing songs and lyrics, which serves as the foundation of their artistic expression. The group consists of Shane Regan as the songwriter who also plays guitar and does vocals, Selen Kortutan as the main vocalist, Paddy Lyons on lead guitar, Eoin McCarthy handling keys and synth, Joan Pelaez on bass, and Peter Cahill on drums.
Akrobat’s track, “Verlaine,” dropped on March 29, 2024, is a remarkably ambitious composition that showcases the band’s diverse style of music creation. This single from their EP ‘Shank’ showcases the band’s dedication to expanding their sound and honoring their influences. The song is titled in honor of Tom Verlaine, the influential late American musician who played a key role in shaping the punk and post-punk genres, particularly as the lead singer of Television. Akrobat’s song “Verlaine” captures the essence of the poet it is named after, mixing intense energy with complex musical skill to produce a piece that pays homage while showcasing the band’s unique artistry.
The song starts with a countdown—a daring decision that quickly captures the audience’s focus. This countdown is more than just a simple beginning, it is a carefully planned introduction that prepares for the rhythmic adventure to come. The drummer’s precise use of the drumstick to anchor the rhythm marks the beginning of something important, a sonic progression that is both urgent and controlled. This track introduction showcases Akrobat’s mastery of creating tension and release, a skill displayed skillfully in “Verlaine”. The excitement in these initial moments is tangible, captivating the listener and getting them ready for the upcoming musical journey.
As the countdown ends, the track comes alive with a catchy rhythmic groove that is instantly captivating. The drums, with their powerful force, serve as the core of the song, giving a strong base for the other parts to construct upon. This repetitive foundation is enhanced by a humming vocal melody, a pattern that repeats in the song and functions as both a musical focal point and an ambient element. The humming serves as a connection between the drum’s rhythm and the melodic elements, helping to smoothly transition the listener further into the track’s soundscape.
At 41 seconds, Selen Kortutan’s vocals fully kick in. Her strong and dynamic voice stands out in the blend with a clarity and emotion that is both authoritative and moving. Kortutan’s singing style is defined by its wide range, effortlessly transitioning between singing and vocalizing, using her voice as a musical tool that enhances the changing instrumental background of the track. The short yet powerful poetic part brings a fresh element to the song, infusing it with a surge of energy in contrast to the quieter humming seen before and after. The interaction of various vocal styles captivates the listener, as the song constantly changes and develops.
The arrangement of instruments on “Verlaine” showcases Akrobat’s skill in fusing different genres and inspirations seamlessly. The song effortlessly combines funk, rock, and electronica, each genre adding its own distinct taste to the blend. Shane Regan and Paddy Lyons’ handling of the guitars is especially remarkable. From precise, rhythmic strumming to enveloping, reverb-filled solos, their interaction varies, enhancing the track with depth and texture. Eoin McCarthy plays keys and synths to create a rich background that enhances the sound and adds atmospheric depth, complementing the more prominent elements in the mix. Joan Pelaez’s basslines are funky and stabilizing, syncing perfectly with Peter Cahill’s drumming to form a rhythm unit that is both precise and energetic.
The balance between complexity and accessibility is a standout feature of “Verlaine.” In spite of its complex structure and wide range of inspirations, the song never comes across as chaotic or disconnected. Instead of that, Akrobat is able to produce a sound that is both unconventional and welcoming, capturing the listener’s interest with catchy hooks and memorable melodies, while also offering deeper listening experiences with intricate layers of sound. The equilibrium within “Verlaine” is crucial to its appeal, as it caters to both casual listeners and those interested in exploring its complexities.
The work done on “Verlaine” stands out, thanks to Rian Trench’s important contributions to engineering, mixing, and mastering during production. The sound remains polished but still captures a raw, live feel, preserving the band’s energy and spontaneity during their performance. Trench’s efforts guarantee that each component of the mix has room to stand out, whether it’s the sharpness of the drums, the depth of the bass, or the lucidity of the vocals. The choice to combine the song with an engaging split-screen video, created by Ray Beggan, enhances the overall listening experience even more. The video highlights the band’s musical skills and connection, while also enhancing the track’s sound with visual elements.
To sum up, “Verlaine” exemplifies how to combine various musical influences into one coherent track. Akrobat has successfully crafted a song that is original and easy to enjoy, demonstrating their knack for exploring new aspects of their music while also retaining a solid grasp on melody and rhythm. The band’s release of the track signifies a major moment as they establish their presence in the indie-electronica genre. “Verlaine” is a song that commands attention and encourages multiple listens with its energetic structure, strong singing, and well-made production. This honors Tom Verlaine appropriately and showcases Akrobat’s unique artistic vision confidently.
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