Fusion in Seclusion
I have to admit that I'd never heard of Aereogramme, surprising really as they've had some choice support slots over the years with the likes of Henry Rollins, Idlewild and my old favourites Superchunk. Eagerly I stuck the CD on not knowing what to expect.
Fantastic! This is the sort of band that makes you proud to be British! Epic sounding tracks fill this mini-album. Not just 'cause of the songs' length, but in terms of how the music fills space. We've not heard such massive soundscapes since Tool.
This is one of those CDs that needs to be listened from start to finish. Each track blurring into the next. Rather like a piece of theatre, it changes both in mood and genre, but is held together by Craig B's beautiful vocals and an altogether eerie atmosphere.
2004 has seen Aereogramme leave Indie label Chemikal Underground and spread their wings under their new label Undergroove. Much more rock orientated, this Glaswegian foursome should blossom there. They have beautiful Indie guitar licks reminiscent of Built to Spill, but all the while this dark, sombre edge makes the album trudge along at a melancholy pace. This should develop further with Undergroove alongside the already consummate programming.
My only criticism of Aereogramme is they're difficult to define, something which unfortunately might prevent the rest of the UK catching onto them. After all, the masses need to be told what they will like by sticking a label on it! So who is going to like these guys? Well any old Goths out there. Metalheads will find something very appealing. Even Indie-kids will dig it. Whilst old rockers will love the epic proportions, basically, anyone that appreciates song/album writing as a craft. These guys are artisans. No wonder that their fan base boasts big names like Idlewild, The Flaming Lips, John Peel and Charlie from Busted?!? See I told you that Aereogramme will appeal to all sorts.