Cynical Ants – ‘Avoidance’: A very interesting EP!

The band returns with the album Avoidance – {a}void[ance], which contains 6 tracks with musical interest and plenty of elements.

{a​}​void​[​ance] : A void, dance

A cynical EP! Cynical Ants Cynical Ants are a musical trio from Athens. With their second EP they offer us 6 tracks packed with elements. To start, their foundation is alternative and post-rock / post-punk in style. Although their tracks have a certain simplicity to them, the compositions are anything but simple. Full of substance and shifts, the tracks feel like listening to musical fairy tales. Every melody is placed just right and aims to give its own colour to every point in the track.

With the vocals sitting a bit further 'back' in the mix, the melodies of voice and instruments intertwine in a unique way. One could say the points where the music and performers raise the intensity are chosen with real artistry. 

An empty space

The instruments have a clean tone, which nevertheless shows a natural sort of 'breaking up'. As if someone had cranked the amp all the way. Yet none of this ever makes them lose their 'clean' character. The Avoidance – {a​}​void​[​ance] has hints of funk too, but what makes it stand out is its straightforward character. Its sound is a bullseye at dead center, and listening to it we feel ourselves getting lost in the vertigo of the sound it creates.

Editor's Choice: 'Guilty Luck'

This is the track that personally stood out for me from the record. From the start it pulled me in with its choppy, rhythmic riff. It brings to mind something of Black Keys and Big Nose Attack, but pushed more into punk territory of course. I hit repeat quite a few times before moving on to the next one, and in the end, I found myself adding it to my list of favourites. The track also has funk elements. A particular highlight was the bridge section (around 2:15) when the bass melodic line strongly reminded me of the piece from Dalianidis' film, Η Κόμισσα της Κέρκυρας. The part where the Italian musicians play one of their pieces (a huge cult reference!). It really is worth listening to closely, since it carries so many musical elements.

Cynical Ants are made up of:

Penny : Guitar, Lead Vocals

Angelos : Bass, Backing Vocals

Anna : Drums

In conclusion

Cynical Ants Cynical Ants are a band different from the rest. The simple fact that they offer their music for free on their Bandcamp says a lot. The tracks on Avoidance – {a}void[ance] are very beautiful and reveal the members' talent. It's worth listening to the EP and definitely adding Cynical Ants Cynical Ants to your playlists. As for me, I'll be waiting impatiently for the guys' next album.