Review: Absenthee "Abissi"
- Izzie Claudio
- Aug 2
- 2 min read
You never know the stories behind the strangers you meet. Sometimes, discovering them is the best part. A few weeks ago, I went clubbing in Berlin on my own. I laughed with strangers and danced with them; we didn’t need words to affirm we were all having a good time. At the end of the night, two individuals approached me, ready to go back on the dance floor. After I explained with a sigh that I was on my way out, we spoke for a while. One of the individuals was from Italy; her name was Ginevra. I remember being struck by the beautiful way her name rolls off the tongue. After talking about our newfound love for Berlin, Ginevra excitedly told me about the band she’s in: Absenthee.
Absenthee is an Italian band with only two songs released, their most recent being “Abissi,” a tune I have fallen in love with. From the first crash of the cymbal, I was hooked. The bass line is pronounced, bringing the song to life with a buzzing melody. Ginevra’s voice snakes in with ease, smooth and intriguing. The instrumentation builds as a jangly guitar echoes in the background and a piano sneaks to the forefront. The piano is rich with energy and tone, driving the song with a beautiful force. Musical elements continue to build on each other, creating a gritty melody that you can’t help but get lost in.
Ginevra’s vocals quickly elevate, and layered melodies scream with emotion, gritty and raw. Her voice is hypnotizing, and the steady, yet memorable beat keeps me locked in a trance. Soon, the sound wall falls, giving way to an epic instrumental interlude. The rattling piano, seething electric guitar, and grounded drums work in tandem, a unique grouping reminiscent of 2010s alternative rock. The tone is dark, but the kind of dark that keeps your curiosity ensnared. It’s fitting that the title translates to "abysses," as we can’t help but look down into the vast expanse below us.
The interlude takes a turn that knocked me off my feet upon first listen. Everything goes silent except for the piano, which is masterfully played. The melody could have been lifted from a classic concerto, as the pianist travels up and down the keys with a strong presence. The raw emotion remains pumping, and the true explosion arrives at the end of the interlude. Ushered in by the beating pulse of the piano, every instrument comes crashing back to life. A pure cacophony of rock takes over, and Ginevra returns with her impressive vocals and growl. Electricity surges through the rest of the song, and we are left in a daze of awe.
Maybe one day Ginevra and I will cross paths again, but for now, “Abissi” will always remind me of her friendly smile, open nature, and the city where creativity blooms in every corner. One night, a writer was lucky enough to meet a singer, and together we danced.
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