EP Reviews
Able Cain "Able Cain"
by Mike Sandlin published in The Outcast , April 1995.
Format: CD. Packaging: custom/color. Production: excellent. Style: modern/progressive rock. Songs: 5. Overall Grade: B+.
Able Cain has got a great sound. They mix alternative sounds of The Choir and those comparable, but remain at a creative level above the ordinary band. There are keyboards but they enhance instead of rule the songs. Their song "Fire Flower" can be heard on the Tastes Like Chicken compilation. All 5 songs are great and they are all longer than 4 1/2 minutes.
The packaging is good and it's on CD, that is a definite plus for this CD kinda guy (I like vinyl goo). Greg Asher has a nice, soothing voice but can be as equally powerful. This ranks up there with the big boys.
Able Cain "Able Cain"
by Jeff Elbel published in Visions of Gray , Volume 4 Number 5.
Able Cain has until recently been a very well kept secret among Northern Californians. With the band's participation on Mootown Records' "Tastes Like Chicken" compilation CD and the release of the band's own self-titled debut CD EP, the cat is being let out of the bag.
Fans of the Police, Simple Minds, and in particular, the Fixx, take note. Able Cain draws from these sources, and updates the mix into something that is ready for a modern, post-grunge scene in which the groove abounds.
Able Cain's strengths lie in well-crafted, sophisticated rock/pop song writing, and skillful instrumental arrangement. With a line-up including singer, guitar, keyboard, bass, and drums, the band has developed a style of interplay that renders each member indispensable.
Matt McCabe's guitar playing is full of character, and escapes the boundaries of simple overdriven power chord hammering that many young bands and fans settle for in current ACM. McCabe and keyboardist Eric Schrepel play in true support of each other in creating the sonic bed of Able Cain, with neither acting as a strictly lead or rhythm instrument.
Vocalist Greg Asher's soulful, intelligent lyrics are matched by passionate delivery. The band's Mootown offering, "Fire Flower", is an excellent introduction to Asher's commanding, gravel-etched baritone. He sings with fervor of a vision of beauty and purity caught up and brought low by addiction. The cry "rage out your rage'' is one of longing, pain, and defiance.
Asher's focus turns inward during "Charlatan's Song." The singer pulls himself down from any pedestals to declare that he's anything but a role model...
"I've found no truth outside of salvation; nothing to set me free. And who am I to speak condemnation? The worst of men is me.''
It's clear, however, that he's giving it his best shot.
Able Cain "Able Cain"
by Steve published in Cornucopia , Spring/Summer 1995.
Able Cain has released this eponymous e.p. that showcases their progressive brand of modern rock. Unlike most 90's bands, who prefer the grunge or neo-punk approach, Able Cain creates music with clean guitar tones, sophisticated arrangements, and a refreshing use of keyboards. Strong, upfront vocals deliver passionate lyrics. Very cool modern rock in the tradition of Simple Minds and other 80's-prog bands.
Demo Review
Able Cain's Two Song Demo
by Agent A published in True Tunes News , volume 6, issue 10.
Able Cain has some hope. Strong vocals, decent songs, and a cool vibe mean they will appeal to many new Alterna-Pop fans. Two songs on this tape, so it's a good introduction. Again, it's a demo, but it's good enough one to make me want to hear what some time and development will do for them.
Interview
An Interview With Matt McCabe of Able Cain
by Mike Scholl
Able Cain is a band trying to carve out a destiny, mostly on their own terms. Every effort and cost that could be incurred by being your own label has been covered by the band. In other words, the band ain't signed yet...and that can be a good thing. For example, there are no corporate "higher ups" laying down the how-to's and the where-to-for's. But, the musical path that the fellas tread on doesn't promise instant celebrity nor does it provide the benefit of touring money. The lads are simply trusting God for direction and provision.
Able Cain consists of vocalist Greg Asher, guitarist Matt McCabe (both of whom write the majority of the material), Jordan Reading on bass and Leo Gunther on drums.
The album cover has an interesting story attached to it. McCabe comments about the angel in the cemetery motif. "It's funny," admits McCabe, "and kinda timely too, because the name on the angel is actually Simpson. We thought we should rub that out." The celebrity formerly known as "The Juice" might be relieved to hear that.
"Fire Flower," found on the last Mootown sampler, has received some positive buzz. Unfortunately, recognition doesn't always pay the bills. McCabe says simply, "Being independent...is just a matter of money." Plastic money, to be exact, as McCabe put the cost of the CD on his credit card. "We're still paying it off...unless (the CD) starts selling like mad, I don't think we'll be back in the studio for a while.
"Ideally, what we'd like to do is just get distribution. We want to hold on to our artistic rights...but, it would be nice if somebody would foot the bill for the whole thing. We've talked to a couple labels, but they move so slow." This summer Able Cain will attempt to expediate things by touring through various parts of northern and southern California and possibly Oregon.