Contemporary d-beat can often seem locked into a relentless escalation of density and speed.  And while this has undoubtedly created some truly fierce records, it is an intriguing departure to hear a band taking things in a very different direction.

New York’s Abism, featuring members of Fairytale and Crazy Spirit, explicitly forsake the aforementioned characteristics in favour of an almost hypnotic mid-paced groove.  The starting point is a rhythm section that is powerful yet unerringly spare, resolutely resisting the temptation for any unnecessary indulgences.  This affords the space for the band’s infectious riffage to breathe and unleash its mesmerising power to full effect, most notably on No Veo El Sol (I Don’t See The Sun) and Libertad (Freedom). It also serves to create room for the barked, rasping Spanish-language vocals to assume the centre stage that they demand as they tackle themes of social injustice.  The overall effect is one of spartan ferocity.