Abe Vigoda/ Crush

Abe Vigoda
Crush
(Bella Union)

Abe Vigoda are exactly what you want from a band. With their third full album comes a new direction that has threaded perfectly on from 2008’s ‘Skeletons’.
‘Crush’ has a very English feel to it: gone are the obvious tropical punk hooks, and in their place is a combination of dramatic synth sounds and romanticism.
With hints of early Cure, The Passions, The Associates and ‘Low’ era Bowie, this is a more mature sound for the band, revolving around a series of ‘mini dramas’ between two lovers.
After several listens the record creates a warm glow that pulsates through to your heart – and occasionally squeezes it when it gets a little too tough. ‘Throwing Shades’, ‘Repeating Angel’ and ‘Pure Violence’ all occupy the extremes that AV go to: pop hooks hover under melodramatic lyrics, dream-pop moments saunter comfortably next to theatrical Bowie croons.
While some bands find a formula and stick to it, Abe Vigoda’s boldness shines through. ‘Crush’ may well be a tribute to their heroes, but it’s a great listen nevertheless.