Introduction
Today we review the highly anticipated debut album by AfroDiziac! Vanity Affair is a short album at just 21 minutes long (Unless you pick up the vinyl with it’s exclusive track!) but it’s jam packed with absolute belters! We previously reviewed “Shine” from this album as a single, so while enjoying this review please also check that out!
This is a huge step forward on AfroDiziac’s musical journey which has already seen him move from Canada, the USA , to the UK and now to Germany! With a wave of admirers in the industry I can only see his music growing to new heights, and quickly at that!
Enjoy the review, let us know what you think in the comments and don’t forget to follow him on social media!
Review
Intro
I believe it’s crucial to be completely transparent. I’m not a fan of intro tracks on albums. I think they are unnecessary. Yet, if I consider it from a more objective standpoint, it’s just 14 seconds long and serves as an effort to establish the atmosphere for what’s coming next.
Nightingale
This track kicks off straight away with a riff that is rich in both emotion and depth. While accompanied by crashing drums (Hux Nettermalm), my focus never shifts from the guitar. Around the 19-second mark, there’s an almost bird-like sound that I think is really apt for the song. Really appreciate the small details like this.
Vocally, the song begins with a raspy tone before metamorphosising into a powerful, majestic creature. Alongside AfroDiziac’s vocals, the backing vocals do exactly what they need to do: support the song without disrupting its flow. They enhance the experience and don’t overcomplicate things.
In terms of the chorus, AfroDiziac has done it again! Putting me in the mood… to sing! Also while these next two lines of lyrics are being sung, the guitar work is absolutely exquisite.
“Sink or swim I’m diving in head first
I’ll take my chances hit or miss for worse”.
Lucky One
I appreciate the softer, more delicate vocals here, layered over a thick and juicy riff. As the drums come in, the song seems to adopt an almost up and down approach, yet the vocals still manage to blend seamlessly. This continues to baffle me even after many , many listens.
“Footprints and Forget Me Nots”.
What I adore about AfroDiziac’s lyrics is that, even though they don’t always make sense, they cling to my mind like glue! However, vocally, the part around 1:30 isn’t really my favourite; it feels a bit too expansive for a song that had already established a different direction.
Of course, this isn’t a critique of the vocals themselves, which are technically outstanding, but rather that I feel they don’t quite fit the song. However, it does lead the track to a moment where that incredible guitar solo can shine. So perhaps I should just shut up and appreciate the genius at play?
Interlude
While it may not come as a surprise, I’m not a fan of interludes…. However, if it had been 40 seconds of pure guitar shredding, I would have been much more enthusiastic. Oh yes, that would have truly been my cup of tea! Interesting fact though is that the barge like sounds on this track are actually a guitar and a bow.
Darkside Of A Nightmare
This track is a slower and fuzzier number when compared to the others on the album, which I believe frames and enhances his beautiful voice even more. This song would be a worthy exhibit in the Louvre. I find myself drawing various parallels to Metallica throughout, and the vocal performance is kick ass, perfectly complementing the epic song title!
The combination of drums and guitar in this track is incredible, and that high note… Holy Smokes! The absence of lyrics towards the end of the song doesn’t reduce my enjoyment in the slightest; instead, it sharpens my attention on that magnificent guitar performance. I’m so excited even just thinking about experiencing this track live!
Shine
I reviewed this single from the album in depth! Please take the time to click this link and see my full thoughts on this excellent song!
Modern Day Saint
This track has an undeniable groove that makes you want to nod your head, featuring a deep guitar and bass (Rockis Ivarsson) sound throughout. Lyrically, it’s my least favourite song simply because it lacks that catchiness of the other tracks. However, this is more than compensated by what I consider the best guitar work on the entire album. If he were to put out 60 minutes of just guitar, I would definitely purchase it!
Riot (Vinyl Exclusive Track)
I love it when bands/ artists do special things for vinyl releases! Thats right this track will only be available with the physical vinyl release of this album so make sure to grab a copy!
This song is a real head mover and face scruncher! Somehow the combination of the drums and bass here actually highlights the guitar work to new levels!
I think this is a sublime example of how well this album has been mixed, everything is at the perfect level to be both heard but also appreciated. Mixing was done by Steffan Glaumann (Rammstein, Volbeat). What is also on show here is the higher range of his voice which is showstopping!
“Better get in line , or get left behind.”
I am really digging the fast paced nature, which almost comes to a complete stop! Replaced momentarily with whisper like vocals. It creates a “Moment” and a stand out one at that!
“There’s a riot goin’ on”… Yeah that’ll be the sound of people rushing out to buy this on vinyl to hear this track!!!
Final Thoughts
Wow what a debut album this is! AfroDiziac actually told me this is the payoff of around 4 months in the studio and even longer waiting to put this out. You can tell how much time went into this. I found myself nit picking rather than having real issues with any of the songs which is always a fantastic sign.
A number of times I actually forget to write notes for this review as I was having too much fun rocking out to it. If I were to give my feedback it would be to leave out the intro and interlude and instead give us 2 more songs. Also don’t be afraid to include even more guitar solo’s… Seriously when you are this talented you can not have too many! Bravo AfroDiziac!
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