AXiS – Electric Peace (Album)

The newly released album “Electric Peace” of Serbian Romanian Power Trio known by the name of AXiS is a total package. If you’re a fan of handmade rock, of the good old times, of edgy-driven tunes that go under the skin, then you’ve come to the right place.

I guess how the guys met before the band was formed is one of these stories that only life itself can write. You can hear that the trio has an undeniable chemistry, it simply is reflected in their ability to transmit a signature-styled retro-flavored honesty.

From the first track on, the guys present a full-fledged taste of rock. “Dazzling Woman” uses what I’d like to call an “addictive vintage flamethrower”. Driven by edgy drums and an untamed guitar backing, the track tells its story with a majestic amount of groove that’s smoothened by a sophisticated bass line. “Ain’t Got No Tears” as the next stop uses an almost road trip-textured kind of setting. You gotta love the relaxed, laid-back groove of the tune, using a unique lush behavior along wah-wah accents to transmit its intention.

“Somewhere in Time and Space” shifts gears a bit. As a well-earned break of sassy drive and untamed energy, this tune showcases the softer side of the band members. Needless to say, they cannot deny their rocking heritage (why on earth would they, right), but they prove that they are able to tell a story with heart and soul, probably scarred ones, yet still with an emotional expression that feels true and honest. And of course, always done with a high sense of using vintage instruments that give the tune a shimmering aura of retro. “Firewater” steps on the pedal again. This tune proves that it’s possible to create music that’s instantly able to make people move. I found myself head-nodding within no time. The track is simple enough to be accessible, yet sophisticated in regards to composition and arrangement.

Speaking of, the arrangements of the songs of AXiS are one of the most attractive assets in my opinion. In every song, you’ll find a blend of these awesome 70s rock elements. And it doesn’t matter if it’s a sassy rhythm pattern, a Hammond organ, a wah-wah-textured solo, or these wise, sort of seen-it-all vocals. The mix of any of these elements makes the music come to life.

“Until the Night Ends” is no exception to this golden rule of their music. This track is one of my personal favorites on the album, it’s a five-minute road trip into the night, an adventure into Noman’s land, and a place where story meets almost psychedelic concepts. All of this garnered with a very special nomadic vibe – free, but lonely by will. “Wild Soul” on the other hand builds an atmosphere of its own. Sunglasses are mandatory from this point on. If they haven’t just released their work, I’d normally say something like “They don’t do music like this anymore out there”, but here we are. This laid-back testament and hommage to how they used to play back in the day isn’t just a cover or a rework. With the high amount of detail and, even more important, soul that’s packed into their playing style, the track not only feels vintage, it IS vintage. It’s not an act, it’s the essence of what they do as musicians. You gotta love the realistic and heartfelt approach of the tune, feeling like a well-aged whiskey or a pricey glass of wine.

Another shift of gears does “Otherside”. In a very calm melodic manner, the tune injects a bit of melancholy into the scenery, but it’s not something overly sad or depressing, but it feels a bit more like a look back on the past, the knowledge that time cannot be turned back paired with a certain acceptance of fate. Done with those retro Hammond textures along an ever-knowing bass line, the vocals have an almost elevated approach while telling their side of the story. Once this tune calmed you down, there’s the title track of the album. “Electric Peace” has an awesome drive from the first second on, crashing down like a meteor with undeniable strikeforce, unmatched energy, and playful elements that feel like they would do a fast-paced race for musical dominance. Single snippets of sound are appearing like flashes of light, just to be replaced by another snippet in this moving scenario. If an action-packed hectic day had a soundtrack, it should be this tune.

Closing the album is “Fifth Season”, a slow-paced dreamer that draws its power from soft floaty melodies that slowly evolve into a relaxed but energetic tune, a “friendly driver” if you will. It’s a last reminder of the rock that is running through the guys’ veins.

All in all, this album is much more than meets the ear. It’s a testament to the power of old-school rock. It’s a showcase of what AXiS is capable of. It’s an hommage of all the classic instruments and concepts used in rock of the past. Combined with signature twists, rearranged and revamped patterns and styles. In my personal opinion, it’s the best of both worlds, vintage sound from the past that was enriched with visions of the present, and a huge portion of timeless soul.