CRYING OF THE WHALES

German band,formed in the small town Enger in North-Western Germany in 2003 by members of the group Taste Of Timeless.All being huge fans of the music of Pink Floyd and seeing no further releases by their favorite act,they decided to borrow elements from their style and create a band with a strong Floydian vibe.Coming up with a concept theme, after a couple of years of research around the existence of whales and some time to find an interested record label,they finally debuted in early 2006 with the ''Crying of the Whales'' album on Cyclops.

The PINK FLOYD influence is beyond evidence to say the least,from the crying DAVID GILMOUR-like guitars and the careful bass lines in the vein of ROGER WATERS to the long spacey synth explorations and the quite similar song structure.Even the vocals of singer/guitarist André Blaeute have a strong PINK FLOYD color.The musicianship of the band is good,without being extraordinary and, as said, with a definite Floydian approach.With a concept idea,which really helps the band,Abarax unfold their story through long and hypnotic electric guitar solos,plenty of space for cosmic synth-based soundscapes with also lots of powerful explosions,organ-smashed parts and symphonic passages.All this fine material is widely mixed with the lyrical parts of the album,completing the Floydian image of the band.Still Abarax remain far from anything original,just wanting to fullfill their dream of following their masters' steps.

If you are a dedicated fan of mid-70's PINK FLOYD,who is looking for more of the style,''Crying of the whales'' is the perfect album for you.Not an essential album for the rest of the prog audience,but Abarax play with heart,showcasing some nice talent both on instrumental parts and songwriting to make this album recommended.