HighTechJet's debut full-length
One hardest parts of this job is trying to describe a band that manage to sit between the borders of something that sounds all too familiar and something refreshing. Hitechjet are exactly that, with music that touches all aspect of the indie/punk rock scene.
The band seems to have a unique formula for each of their songs. Lead singer Brian Ayers contributes the gravely vocals that embrace bands such as Hot Water Music. After opening song 'I Should Have Left You On The Roadside' the atmosphere of each song brings some sort of serenity to the sound and you're introduced to a rather passive sound brought by the two guitars that's rather like a rock version of Bolton's Appease. One excellent example of this is the introduction of 3rd track 'Making Movies.' The layout of vocal harmonies in some of the more aggressive songs also reminds me of the way in which Autumn to Ashes hit their vocal structures.
This album is a little like an adventure in the musical galaxy. It takes off on a rough start with 'Should Have Left You At The Roadside' and then sets its course with '200 miles From'. The album hits space-time with semi-acoustic 'Perfect Video'. The adventure then reaches dismay as track 9 'Statues' hits your ears like asteroids and from there on you're arriving home for a safe landing.
One problem with this CD is that it's open to so many styles of alternative rock music that it would be hard for any tight-minded music fan to appreciate this CD. Each section of the album changes drastically and hops dramatically from one style to another. The contrast between the final two tracks, 'See 20/20' and 'As Though Nothing Happened' is a good representation of the diversity of the record.
Overall a great CD from a UK band for anyone open minded and prepared to give anything a try. Hitechjet are certainly on the rise on the UK scene and will be hitting our radios in a not so distant future.