#129 Flork Reviews: Abuol - Povzbudenie do života (2023)

 

Abuol - Povzbudenie do života (2023)
By Flork

Every now and then, a little encouragement in life makes a world of difference. And, although Povzbudenie do života was released more than a year ago, the tracks on their full-length release resonate louder this year as Abuol extends its perimeter from faraway Prešov in Eastern Slovakia. Povzbudenie do života is kind of a clarion call that marries the raw, unbridled energy of punk with the introspective musings of alternative rock, consisting of a tempestuous blend of blistering guitar riffs, pulsating rhythms, and lyrical introspection. The vocals are shared by Samuel (bass) and Štefan (guitar), both carrying messages of defiance, hope, and existential contemplation.

 

 
The album begins on an upbeat note with the title track, but ends almost as quickly as it begins, setting the tempo and mood for an auditory ride that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Abuol gives the impression of being skilled at crafting anthems for the weary and the hopeful—songs that reverberate in the hearts of those of us who are navigating the labyrinth of life’s frequent and not-so-pleasant challenges. And like the title track, each track pulses with a sense of urgency, yet still holds a visceral beauty and melodic undercurrent that offers solace and redemption. The music somehow cries with a cathartic release, full of bitter irony and foreshadowing, all the while maintaining an upbeat vibe.

Songs like Mysli na zdravie shine with brilliant guitar work (lighter picking of the high strings) and poignant messages, while tracks like Načo ti je mozog? and channel pure, unadulterated punk/alternative fury. Don’t get me wrong, it is not Green Day reincarnated in Eastern Slovakia, nor is it a Sex Pistols tribute band, but rather a unique and original sound that culminated from a variety of influences, including pop and anthem rock, and certainly the grassroots of British punk. The band’s guitars (Lukáš) weave some interesting tapestries of sound that soar and dive with an almost reckless abandon, while the drummer’s beats (Stanislav) provide a heartbeat to the chaos. The album’s lighter moments, such as Kohútik, offer a brief respite (and I stress brief), a chance to catch one’s breath before diving back into the fray.

 
 

The themes of the album traverse a broad spectrum—from questioning societal norms (Chuj zo života, Mole v smole) to advocating for mental health (Lietajúci jazvečík), as well as expressing gratitude (Vďaka), and grappling with the absurdity of existence (Jahodové líce). The entire album is sung in Slovak, so their audience may be somewhat limited to the home turf, but regardless of this fact, Abuol is a fun group to listen to and can make waves either on their own or in a lineup with other performers. Certainly, a fun summer band with an encouraging future.