10/03/2004
Artista: AHVAK
Album: Ahvak
Anno: 2004

We talk now about a new Israeli band produced by Cuneiform, bold and historical American record label. They are Avhak, new exciting ensemble led by an institution of world RIO on drums, Dave Kerman (please read Dave’s interview in the special section).
We deal with a work that liberally draws its inspiration from Univers Zero, Thinking Plague, 5UU’s yet it keeps its own identity and uses a more progressive approach, which makes it more enjoyable.
It is considerably pleasant to listen to, the whole thing is probably less sophisticated than the works of a band like Thinking Plague, but this gap is bridged by the deep feeling Avhak succeed in conveying to their listeners, by their dynamism and their sound pictures skilfully dusted with electronics. The dialogues between keyboards and guitar are typical of vintage progressive music, and they are soothed by parts played by oboe and flute that nearly remind the listener of chamber music.
The atmosphere is quite darksome, it also calls to mind some Scandinavian progressive works. The “noise-reproducing interferences” in the compositions are peculiar and original: tinkling, whispering, nearly arcane sounds complete the songs, making the whole thing gloomier.
Like nearly all proper RIO works, it obviously includes both music asymmetry and accurate exposition of the composition: little room is actually left for improvisation Kerman’s work is excellent as usual, his drumming is neat and accurate, original and polished. The sound engineering by Udi Koomran is noteworthy, he is a famous sound engineer in the world avant-progressive scene. Listen to the sound performance of “High Infidelity” by Present, another Udi’s work, I believe it is extraordinary.
All in all, I consider Avhak as one of the most pleasant and best made productions among those recently proposed, an extremely good way to start the year.
It is to be recommended to all those who love R.I.O. but also to those who may want to gradually approach this genre and who may find it hard to start listening to more complex works, Avhak is a nice compromise.

Country: Israel
Record label: Cuneiform

Translated by Manuela Olivier Ragazzi
Manuela_Olivier@hotmail.com

GENERAL REFERENCES
Genre	R.I.O. progressive-rock
References	Thinking Plague, 5UU's, Univers Zero
Vocals	moderate Use
Language	English Male
TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT
Tecnique
Performance
Sound Quality
EDITOR'S PATHOS
Composition
Feeling
Originality
Rating levels		Very Poor Poor Acceptable Good Very Good Excellent