For Abel - Greater Inventions

Previously known as Nacional, the Glasgow based indie-rock quartet are back, rechristened as For Abel (confusions with The National laid to rest) with a debut album set to live up to the buzz surrounding it.

The strong vocals of singer Rob Armstrong and catchy melodies on the first track ‘Telephone’ immediately grab your attention from the offset, setting the bar high for the rest of the record. Despite trying desperately hard not to fall into the typical chant of ‘these sound like…’, ‘they remind me of…’ etc., the nods to 80s bands such as The Wedding Present and Joy Division are too prevalent to ignore, but this is by no means a bad thing. For Abel manage to bring their own sound to the table whilst throwing a myriad of influences into the melting pot. There’s even a spot of The Fall to be heard through the fast-paced opening of ‘Lucas’.

The lyrically satirical third track ‘On T.V’, which explores the absurdity of needing to be on T.V for things to be ‘ok’ in a modern society, has actually been on T.V. Oh, the irony. Garnering attention from Sky Sports, the track appeared on their football adverts, and listening to the stripped-down, brooding build up leading up to the strong chorus, it’s easy to see why.

‘Greater Inventions’ showcases For Abel’s ability to interlace the classic with the modern and the light with the dark. The band’s energetic live performances do not disappoint either so don’t miss your chance to see them on the obligatory album promotion tour.

Sophie McGraw