Adebisi Shank – This Is The Third Album of a Band Called Adebisi Shank

The third (and final) full-length album from Irish math-rockers Adebisi Shank This Is The Third Album of a Band Called Adebisi Shank is a varied and eccentric affair. While their previous material was very much rooted in rock, with the emphasis on conventional rock instruments (regardless of how unconventional their playing style is), Third is kind of all over the place. The funk-driven “Mazel Tov” makes heavy use of saxophone and vocoder, simultaneously giving the song an organic but also impersonal vibe. “Sensations” is flavoured with a world-beat drum pattern and accordion. “Voodoo Vision” is pretty much a jig. Meanwhile, “Chaos Emeralds” and “Big Unit” are a pair of big-hair, *inspirational* type songs that sound like they were written in 1989.

The trademarks of Adebisi Shank’s sound are still present. The music is still hyper-charged and decidedly *bent*. The departure from the rock sound could very well have been a result of the band growing bored, with their decision to end the group coming mere months after the album’s release. It’s a shame because the trio was so unique with their style, musicianship and ability to keep the listener guessing. The final track: a one-minute instrumental titled “(Trio Always)” is uncharacteristically emotional and functions as a farewell for the group. They will be missed.