With one of the best band names I have come across in recent years, Abimaro & The Free this month release their latest EP ‘Books’, based on the four gospels. Of wonderfully diverse background and sound, Abimaro Gunnell, James Beatt and Alex MontaQue met whilst studying at London’s prestigious Goldsmith’s University. Following 2010’s stunning live EP ‘So I’ll Boast...’ the band gives us another sonic keepsake to tide us over until the much-anticipated debut album.
True to the tradition of the biblical accounts, ‘Books’ offers different perspectives on the life and ministry of Christ; from that of the apostles to the ordinary folk who simply needed to be healed spiritually and physically.
The subject of ‘Matthew’ yearns for the long-awaited Messiah to save her and her people from the Roman occupation. Much like the book after which it is named, ‘Mark’ focuses on Jesus as unconventional Saviour and Healer. In ‘Luke’ a gentile comes to the realisation that Christ’s love is not just for the Jewish people. ‘John’ looks beyond the miracle of multiplication in the feeding of the 5000+ and seeks a more profound relationship with the Messiah.
Abimaro’s rich, raspy vocal is as warm and comforting as her sunshine personality. There’s an innate compassion to her voice –especially the Tracy Chapman-esque vibrato-that forms a perfect union with the vivid and sympathetically-crafted lyrics. MontaQue’s expansive piano arrangements and Beatt’s lyrical basslines both find a happy medium between ambition and restraint. With the occasional appearance of unobtrusive percussion ‘Book’s sparse soundscape is suitably aligned to its emotional depth. ‘Mark’ is the first amongst equals thanks to its melodic poignancy and the quiet urgency of Beatt’s bassline, followed closely by ‘Luke’.
This is ultimately a consolatory listen; despair gives way to hope, exclusion to acceptance and adversity to triumph.
Abimaro & The Free:
Abimaro Gunnell – Vocals
Alex MontaQue-Piano
James Beatt- Bass
Mixed & Mastered by Alex MontaQue
‘Books’ is available now for free download.
www.abimaro.com
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