Deviouz

Alright, today's review is on the (mainly) Post-rock, 'A Beginning Among Millions', a mini-album by Aberrant Corollary, released back in 2011. Although he has been composing music since 2008, this is AbCor's first official release. To me, this album comes of as a well prepared and executed project as AbCor dives into realms consisting of ambient, serene, dark and grotesque styles. Although diverse, the mini-album heads in a solid direction, one that takes you on a ride from way up in the stratosphere, down to a hotel room with Patrick Bateman.

I came across this mini-album through an anime dedicated forum, myanimelist.net, 2 years ago. Some of you may already know that I am a semi-hardcore anime fan and an amateur bedroom-music-producer. So, at the time I registered at MAL, I was curious to see who else made music, what genres did they like to produce and what kinda music do these anime-heads listen to. And to satisfy my curiosity, I started a new thread in the, "Creative Corner."

I get a reply;
(Before we move on, I wanna point out that the names of the songs have been hyperlinked. I couldn't find these songs on YT, only available on soundcloud and bandcamp. We really should get soundcloud embedding.)

The mini-album is split into 2 sections. We start off with the first section, consisting of 3 tracks, "A Beginning Among Millions", "An Imagery of Open Fields", and, "The Girls From Andromeda". There is a certain style these 3 tracks share; ambient and atmospheric, filled with cheerful & joyful melodies accompanied by inspiring percussion. The use of synth-pads and guitar picking really sets the pleasant mood and atmosphere. A nice set of songs great for when you're feeling inspired or want to get inspired.

Before we move on to the next set of songs, a brief warning:

In this section we wander the dark, eerie, sinister and twisted realm where the next 3 tracks reside, "Nightmare Nocturne No. 1", "Feed Me a Stray Cat", and, "This is What Your Toothache Soundz Like". Although the complete opposite from the first section, these 3 tracks have their own distinct sound, but not differing too far from each other in terms of theme.

"Nightmare Nocturne No. 1", is something I would hear in an Indie-horror game. A sad and daunting piano fills the room. Glitch noises enter, escorting dark, depressing atmospheric sounds. As the song progresses, the intensity of the song escalates until it comes to a sudden halt. To me, "Nightmare Nocturne No. 1", would fit in a movie about a ghost investigator that dies in an haunted mansion after discovering the story of a disturbed ghost. Anyone who can listen to this piece all the way has bigger cojones than Ron Jeremy, forealz. I really enjoyed this track in particular, because it's the one that hits me right in the feels the most.

"Feed Me a Stray Cat", is as twisted as is its name. Even though more upbeat than the previous song, they share the same scary, creepy vibe. It's filled with an '80's gated synth and an energetic drum pattern. What makes this song even more creepier is the 'American Psycho' sample played throughout. If this was made in '99, it would've definitely made the cut for the, 'American Psycho OST'. If I was a murdering lunatic, this song would be racking up the play on my iPod.

So, you're drinking a can of soda, then BOOM! "This is What Your Toothache Soundz Like", is exactly what the name makes it out to be. A song of pain represented in noise. I felt a toothache come on just by listening to it! Not my favorite song off the album, but definitely a creative one!

Last but definitely not least, as it's my favorite track off ABAM, is, "Tion Your Emoshuns". Melancholy, calm & soothing, this is the long deserved break from the last set of songs. Accompanied by subtle & meaningful lyrics, a smooth Rhodes like sound and distorted percussion, it makes for the perfect ending to the wild journey that is, 'A Beginning Among Millions'.

Overall, 'A Beginning Among Millions', can take the listener by their will and forces the listener to observe its story through great compositions, whether it be running through a serene dream-scape or getting chased by a naked, chainsaw-wielding Christian Bale! Overall, a very solid album and I highly recommend it, which gets the, D.

RATING: 9/10



Support:
Bandcamp - Music | Aberrant Corollary
Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/the_hriday

P.S. - I had remixed the last song, "Tion Your Emoshuns", if you wanna check it out.

P.S.S. - How'd you like this review/journal piece? Harsh criticism welcome! I would like to get better at writing.

P.S.S.S. - I didn't get to read your whole guide, Trollheart. So you may be disappointed, lulz.