VICE
The problem with “shoegaze” as a descriptor for these guys—other than the fact that saying it out loud is basically waving a wiener flag—is that the arms-crossed apathy it implies is the opposite of how I feel when I listen to them. They’re like the atmospherics of Slowdive filtered through the enthusiasm of your younger cousin’s first pop-punk band, and as a result the whole thing has a happy smoothness that makes it perfect ecstasy accompaniment for people who like music instead of techno.
V Magazine
As far as I know, Florida's chief musical export is usually some kind scary goth metal (i.e. Marilyn Manson), which makes the existence of Averkiou—a band making perfectly blissed-out dream pop like it was 1991 all over again—more than a little surprising. In fact, when this record first passed across my desk a couple of weeks ago, I assumed that it must be the work of a U.K. band playing on the current nostalgia for old Ride and Pale Saints records. But no, these kids are from Gainesville and they are happily shoegazing away at their guitars as if the last decade of music never happened. And you know what? I’m just fine with that because this record sounds amazing. At just eight songs long, Throwing Sparks is the perfect length—a twenty-five minute blast of poppy guitar goodness that sounds best when played at maximum volume.
Dagger
Not sure where these guys came out of (Gainesville, Florida, actually) but these guys might just have knocked The Brother Kite off the mountain as my new favorite Claire Records band. Right from the classic opening tune, "I Don't Wanna Go Out", which is all fuzzed out (yet totally melodic) guitars ala Ride or My Bloody Valentine with some dreamy vocals perched on top. Song number two, "Holland & Headaches" is more of the same and just as great. "New York Friends' slows it down a tad and adds a simmering guitar leads (and reminded me a bit of Human Television, Florida expatriates themselves). The other 5 tunes are just as good and it's all over in 22 minutes (my kinda record, keep me wanting more). Seriously, this is that good. One of my favorites of 2008.
Satellite Magazine
Averkiou makes music that makes you want to play air guitar. Don’t get me wrong here – by that, I don’t mean the two-minute unnecessary, self-indulgent, guitar-shredder solo Slash takes after every chorus. In essence, lead singer Matt Brink and Co. want to satisfy the shoegazer in us all – the barrage of fuzzy guitar sound and hazy vocal woos and hoos from the backing vocalists undoubtedly bring to mind My Bloody Valentine. However, you soon come to realize that, more so than MBV, Averkiou is also well-versed in the three-minute pop song – instantly catchy guitar hooks come soaring out of the reverb, calling to mind The Stone Roses on serious steroids. A year and a half in the making, Throwing Sparks is one of the most spectacular debuts (and hell, one of the best albums, period) to come out of Gainesville in years. At 22 minutes, Throwing Sparks is the musical equivalent of speed – it’s quick, dirty, fun, and over before you know it, but God knows, you’ll be back for more again soon.
Delusions of Adequacy
How can I describe this band? It’s the Strokes meets the Drop Nineteens, shoegazy dream pop at its finest. Throwing Sparks is packed with production straight from the playbook of Kevin Shields, with a visceral, Spector-esque wall of sound that cuts thin and lean right down the center. Each song seamlessly blends into the next with beautiful poise and precision, absolutely unwavering in its grinding, deliberate rhythms. Some of the guitar riffs, like the ones on “New York Friends” and “Holland & Headaches” are just simply gorgeous, floating over the track like a bird drifting aimlessly in a new, blue sky. I find it incredible how Averkiou not only wrote some really spectacular songs, but found this crunchy, wavy tone that oozes slickness. Through just their sound, Averkiou have painted an image of springs both past and present, and that’s truly an accomplishment.
VICE
Averkiou—pronounced ave-er-queue—are five dudes from Gainesville, Florida, playing toe-tapping steamroller stoner jams who have just released one of the best albums of the year, Throwing Sparks.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Averkiou's lush wall-of-guitars sound reminds me of an unrequited love and my misspent 20s.
Monosyllabic
Now, I claim to be a shoegazer fan, but I’ve come to realize that I really only like the particular cross-section that manages to be dense, loud, dreamy, and a little blurry around the edges without being either too ethereal or too overtly “rock”. Averkiou fits that bill almost perfectly, recalling the early 90’s sounds of Swervedriver and Drop Nineteens with guitar piled on top of heavy, swooping, delirious guitar. The sound is so good that I’m tempted to gloss over the actual songs, but truth be told, the main reason I don’t [care] much for a lot of what calls itself “nu-gazer” is that it does exactly that. Thankfully, Averkiou doesn’t assume that atmospherics are enough to carry an album, and Throwing Sparks has some pretty solid (if simple) pop-song sensibilities at its foundation. It’s just a shame that it barely breaks 25 minutes.
Cause=Time
My friend and your friend Seth sent me some music this week and he told me about a band that was from the South that sounded like JMC. A swamp band from Gainesville doesn't that doesn't sound like swamp rock. Hmmm.... Averkiou play a scuzzy brand of guitar and have drony vocals. I can already tell that my ears would be ringing at one of their shows, but in a good way.
Hailing from www.kickbrightzine.com, Jeffrey Howard and Kristin Messina bring you the Florida Show!! We bring you the best that Florida has to offer in music, from mostly unsigned, only locally known musicians that are worth more than a second listen. We should know, we are local musicians (currently, Hot Hands, Garbo's Daughter and Saving Twilight).
So i have definatly made it a goal to see you guys, because the last two times i was going to i wasnt able to....october 31 seems like itll work though!
HY GUYS, SORRY FOR THE ENGLISH BUT WE REALLY LOVE YOUR MUSIC!! TOTALLY AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ALL THE BEST FROM ARGENTINA!!!! CHEERS!!! KEEP ON ROCKIN'!!!!
Friday 25 Sept On Radio 105 from 1.00 A.M to 2.00 AM "Flash In Punk" - The new season Friday 25 Sept On Radio 105 from 1.00 A.M to 2.00 AM Guest : ALEX GOPHER
Great show the other night and even better to get to say hi and hang for a bit. The vinyl sounds even better than the CD and the 7" is damn tight. Glad I got to hear the newer songs live and that you guys gave me an excuse to leave my house and go do something fun....I think you might be the main band that gets me out to shows for the last two years! Love the green and blue vinyl and wish I could still fit into a M Large T shirt to wear so I could have bought one. Paul's favorite was wasted and High which makes me laugh and the newer song you played toward the end with the real high vocal parts seemed to grab the whole audiences attention. Keep up the great work and know I am super jealous that you guys put something together so tight. I would love to hear a version of one of your acoustic shows Matt.......
Thanks for coming to Tampa with Torche & House of Lighting. Please take a peek at my photo show review on Creative Loafing's Tampa Calling Blog for more photos!
dudes, that secret song on the green vinyl is totally kick arse! Thanks again for coming and playing the T-Town for those others bands that had Van Halen in them.
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