The music of Isobella is easily discountable as purely derivative. Even the
bands own bio resorts to early 90's "shoegazer" comparisons to describe their
sound. The influence of these bands, while certainly present on the album, is
not present in a completely unaltered form, however. Isobella adds to the mix
of influences like Slowdive and My Bloody Valentine some more straightforward
indie rock influences, ulitimately creating something which is, if not totally
groundbreaking, at least a pleasant and rewarding listen.
Akasha begins with a very straightforward pop song "black hair, green eyes"
featuring muffled female vocals, a pleasant wash of keyboards, and picked
guitars, followed closely by the very Slowdivey "yellow"-pretty much your
standard "shoegaze tribute band fare" (although very nicely done). As the album
progresses, however, these influences are synthesized into a sound very much in
line with other early nineties influenced bands such as Antarctica, who also
borrow heavily while still producing music that feels fresh and original. The
song "Ozreal" is an excellent example of this synthesis, with its Wish-era Cure
synths underneath heavier guitar and stronger drums than some of the beginning
tracks. This pattern is repeated on the haunting "Carlos Affair" which begins
with a near perfect combination of subtle guitars and keyboards, climaxing
dramatically, but without too much gimmickry.
Overall Isobella's debut Akasha, offers a sound that, although informed by many
influences, still achieves a sincerity that is not present in purely derivative
bands. Akasha achieves a directness not present in many of today's bands
arising from similar influences. Isobella aren't starting any new revolutions
in music, but they're definitely adding something to revolutions already begun.
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