The Absentee has been playing LA spots since the turn of the century...okay, call it two years. Originally billed as "Astronomer", then "Aurelius", the band has appeared locally at the Whisky, the Troubadour, Club Lush, Ground, Zero, CIA, the Equator and points east and west, always to sell-out crowds (not the same thing as crowds that have sold out). The band's music is completely distinctive; melodic and raw, violent and romantic, designed and spontaneous. Max Baybak has achieved a compelling quality of voice and melody, which while not easily likened to others, manages to keep itself somewhere within the realms pop expectancies. Lead guitarist Jason Wrightsman, whether with a few perfect notes or a deafening roar of chords, always seem to add just the right touch. This is creatively complimented and counter-pointed by bass player Michael Hendry, while drummer Zach Schrock, holds it all together with such talent, innovation and a style all his own, completing the groups multifaceted and diversely influenced sound. An Absentee performance is always fun, and always serious-the group plays the emotions as much as they play their instruments. Don't listen if you don't like things to get under your skin.