Chalice of Avon

The forthcoming Stitching the Dark Days by CHALICE OF AVON has taken almost six years to get together, and in its final incarnation has been recorded and produced in London, and is set to be released in December this year, to high anticipation, and is preceded by a killer debut track release (7DWTL / Methuselah / Mixes) available on itunes, CD, and also through myspace etc.
Written in the USA and England, it is the opening beat of a compelling work of storytelling: a hypnotic fusion of potent lyrics, powerful beats, and vocals written with a mischievous knowing glint in the eye of the enigmatic Avon. "The songs were chosen for their diversity, but all have a linking theme, which I hope people will identify with in this nasty world. There is a challenge to the listener in every song so anyone, having a 'dark day', will be able to relate the songs to events in their own lives."

Not targeting a 'patronising demographic', and speaking to listeners of all age groups, modern riffs fuse with electronica and classic rock achieving an acutely timeless and international feel. London born but strangely the transatlantic pro European Paul Avon does not lose sight of his roots."It's impossible not to acknowledge those who have influenced me musically," says the experimental Avon, citing several bands and songwriters as major influences. "In former bands there was probably far too much of those influences! With this project I was free-er, to trust the songs to go where they wanted to." This accomplished producer and could-be musical dictator grins and winks disarmingly: tells stories of love, success, failure, loss, lust for life, darkness and ... well at the drop of a hat can be deep and meaningful but then can be diverted by a mere speck of dust catching a ray of sunlight: a man obviously challenging demons, attractively willing to confront them with a characteristic glint in his eye. Many will fall in his wake! Ave (to his friends) has secrets, knows about YOU, and is a thoroughly accomplished raconteur to boot!

The musical result has been a darker, more progressive and edgy collection of songs, each of which tell their own story but contribute to a magnificent whole, underpinned by an ever present (and eminently catchy) theme and threatening voice narration (think Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds meets Dracula!). Tales of love, lust, fear and pain emanate from the project, dwelling under ever present storm clouds, and culminating in the astonishing epic final track which demands the (already in the early stages of rehearsal) sequel.
Unconventional: not all out goth and not rocking as rock but totally singing the blues in a refreshingly original way. The project will attract a wide audience and could be the darkest album that will find it's way into your mind, not to mention your mp3 player!
Listen carefully, is this a concept album for those who have lost their way in the 21st century?
A long awaited project not to be missed!
© 2008 Nik Vivian