STARS OF AVIATION REVIEWS

Snow On Snow
May 2003
 
 
Contents
 
Derives, September 2004
Le Manchester, March 2004
Wide Open Road, November 2003
Impact, September 2003
Losing Today, December 2003
Beat Sketching, November 2003
Delusions of Adequacy, August 2003
Splendid E-zine, August 2003
No Ripcord, July 2003
Bliss Aquamarine, July 2003
Aiding and Abetting, July 2003
Penny Black Music, May 2003
Do Something Pretty, May 2003
Logo Magazine, May 2003
Nunu World Music, May 2003
Tangents, May 2003
soundsxp, May 2003
Ballroom Favourites, May 2003
Kaytronika, May 2003
PopNews, May 2003
Musique Deluxe, May 2003
Britpop Arsenal, May 2003
Collective, May 2003
 
 
Reviews
 
Derives, September 2004

Stars of Aviation est un quatuor de chamber pop, originaire de Brighton et placé vite fait par les critiques dans la lignée de The Clientele et de The Relict. Il y a de ça, mais pas que de ça non plus : Stars of Aviation est plus chaleureux, moins éthéré, quoique tout aussi endormi. On peut y trouver un peu de cette matière, ce grain lumineux, rencontré à la fin de Galaxie 500 et aux débuts de Luna dans la voix de Dean Wareham. Quatre pop songs seulement présentés ici pour ce troisième ep et depuis Stars of Aviation n’a plus rien sorti, ne s’est pas encore décidé à sauter le pas de l’album. Quatre titres pour mettre en bouche et exciter une curiosité condamnée à rester lettre morte sauf sursaut prochain. C’est ici le royaume des mélodies douces menées à la guitare acoustique, batterie, clavier, dans cette grande tradition anglaise qui remonte au label Postcard, agrémentées d’harmonies vocales apaisées. Il y a une certaine nostalgie chez Stars of Aviation mais celle-ci est tempérée par un soleil presque aveuglant qui en fait pâlir les couleurs, révèle la mélancolie d’instants précieux qui s’échappent de nous.

Magnifique. Impossible de ne pas céder aux appels de ‘Snow on snow’, ces paysages blancs, ces sons étouffés, ce manteau de neige et ces flocons qui rappellent l’euphorie de ces instants féeriques de l’enfance où l’on découvrait la neige. ‘Illumined’ est comme son nom l’indique baigné d’un soleil, mélancolique d’automne, à la Luna. La batterie présente sur les deux premiers morceaux laisse la place sur les deux suivants à un synthé qui joue les boites à rythmes. On pourrait évoquer un Grandaddy beaucoup plus sensible et fragile. ‘Love is only in your mind’, qui termine ce petit disque, est le seul prétendant au titre de sautillant et entraînant, Stars of Aviation ne nous laissant pas partir sans un petit hit dansant. (Didier Goudeseune)

(Translation:
"Stars of Aviation are a Brighton quartet whose chamber pop has gained them quick comparisons to the likes of the Clientele and the Relict. And yes, there are those elements here, but not only those elements: Stars of Aviation’s music is warmer, and less ethereal, though just as somnolent. You can hear a little of that feeling, that glowing spark, that you find in later Galaxie 500 stuff and in early Luna records in the voice of Dean Wareham. Just four pop songs offered here for their third EP – since then, Stars of Aviation haven’t released anything, not to mention taken the plunge of recording an album. These are four tracks to pop in your mouth and spark your curiosity, though that curiosity is doomed to be disappointed unless something extraordinary happens... Theirs is a realm of soft melodies led by acoustic guitar, drums, keyboards, and Postcard-style soothing vocal harmonies. There’s an undeniable nostalgia here, but it’s tempered by an almost blinding sunshine which makes all the colours fade into paleness. The melancholia is interrupted by some precious, fleeting moments.

Magnificent. It’s impossible not to succumb to the calls of “Snow on Snow”, its white landscapes, its hushed sounds, a blanket of snow and flakes which evokes the magical childhood delight of experiencing snow for the first time. “Illumined” is, as the name suggests, bathed in sad Autumn sunshine – reminiscent of Luna. The drumming on the first two pieces then gives way, on tracks 3 and 4, to more drum machine-like rhythms, like Grandaddy but much more fragile and sensitive. “Love is only in your mind”, which ends this little record, is a more jumpy, bouncy number – the Stars of Aviation wouldn’t let us leave without giving us a little hit to dance to.")

Le Manchester (Kitchen label feature), March 2004

Denna brittiska Brighton-kvartetten visste jag inte ett uns om innan Kitchen fick mig att snurra igång epn i stereon, ett år för sent. Detta ovetande trots att de tydligen agerat förband till förra årets hyllade kammarpop The Clientele, som jag lyssnat en hel del på. Skivan inleds med två små nedstämt värmespridande melodier, »Snow On Snow« och »Illumined«, där en akustisk mysgitarr inrättar vänskap med en mjuk röst och leker, nära och lugnt, i harmoni, förälskelse och romantik. De små inslag av elgitarr som introduceras redan från första stund övergår gradvis till elektroniskt blippande, och som först gör sig tydligt i följande, »Stars of Aviation sings about the summer, but is it going to be sunny, Carol?«. Där formar det en tvistad melodisk charm som blir min strongaste dragning till bandet. Fantastiskt är väl då att detta byggs på i avslutande, och överlägset trevligaste, »Love is only in your mind«. Trivsamma är väl deras enkelt uppbyggda grundmiljöer, men trevligast blir det ändå med en blippande melodi dansandes tillsammans med en akutiskt gitarr, underbyggt av Jonny och Nathans trudeluttande röstmelodier, insvept i deras grundläggande utgångspunkt. Att de inräknar ett vinglas till sin instrumentpresentation bevisar deras flytande detaljrikhet och drömligt varsamma karaktär.

A rough translation follows (thanks Karin):
"I didn't know anything about this Brighton four-piece until Kitchen got me to put their EP on my stereo, a year late. This despite the fact that they have apparently supported last year's most acclaimed purveyors of chamber pop, The Clientele, whose records I've been listening to a lot recently.

The record is suffused with warmth by the opening two little tunes, "Snow on Snow" and "Illumined". An intimate acoustic guitar intertwines with gentle vocal harmonies singing of love and romance. The short interpolations of electric guitar at the beginning of the EP are replaced later on by the electronic bleeps of "Stars of Aviation are singing about the summer, but is it going to be sunny, Carol?" There it accompanies the twisted melodic charm which is a major source of attraction to this band for me. Then, marvellously, this is escalated in the final and superlative tune, "Love is only in your mind". The Stars' simply constructed musical backdrops create an intimate feel, but this is made even more lovely by the addition of a bleeping keyboard tune dancing along with the acoustic guitar and complemented by Jonny and Nathan's la-la-la-ing vocal melodies. The whole sound is packaged with a pleasing simplicity. The addition of a wine glass floating above the instruments demonstrates the group's attention to detail and the gentle, dreamlike character of their music."

Wide Open Road, November 2003

A friend of mine has an obsession with snow. She's always wanted to build one of those snow houses, burrow into the side of some post-avalanche snowscape, and huddle there with bars of chocolate, good coffee, perhaps a bottle or two of bilberry wine brought in by some bearskin-wrapped soul-twin who looks like Bjork, searching too for some Freudian return to the womb, a place to see out the eternal storm or spy the celestial wheel drag the night away. What does it all mean? I don't really know. A yearning to escape? Why too do people write sad songs, such sad and beautiful songs? Here's another one here, by the Stars Of Aviation. And there's no hope of critical distance - I'm totally absorbed by their music. Mesmeric, magnetic. Just a brilliant EP. But you'll never guess who they remind me of! It makes no sense whatsoever but Mannfred Mann. I know, it's stupid, especially in these times of alt-this and post-that. They don't even sound like them but I just get the same pangs listening to this as when I hear 'Up The Junction.' Love and hopelessness. The Stars are impressive songwriters, they could probably put their hand to anything.

Impact Press, September 2003

This EP from this veteran British indie band proceeds very softly and slowly to get where it's going, "at the speed of an icebreaker." Within this patient yet insistent mold, beautiful layers and crescendos weave in and out, giving it a spacey, otherworldly quality. Synths and acoustic guitars dance around each other like helixes. This album is gorgeous, and the only thing wrong with it is that it's too short. (DP)

Losing Today, December 2003

And sticking with Lancashire’s Kitchen Records for the superbly glowing sounds of Stars of Aviation, a quartet who to date have supported the Clientele and Jet Johnson. Opening with the moving ‘Snow on Snow’ ambling frailly amid wintry landscapes, this sparkling gem oozes with a mixture of melancholia and romance, what first appears as a delightfully gentle folk smoulder quickly catches fire and splutters into a beautifully woven anthem of heart aching grandeur. ‘Illumined’ shuffles in next, teasingly raw, nimbly calls up the lonely spirits that so eloquently breeze in and out of Relict’s occasional releases before twisting unexpectedly harnessing a curious sea shanty interior with the subtle brushing of mellow psyche. ‘Stars of Aviation are singing about summer, but is it going to be sunny, Carol?’ sees the foursome getting happier, and yes, sunnier. Full of little twisting melodic dramas, it takes to its fold varying elements of the wayward qualities of Elephant 6 collectives West Coast spirit and marries it to a glowing blend of rustic pop and idle carefreeness, its like imagining a playground setting with the Summer Hymns collaborating with Plastic Mastery. Ending with the dusty echoes of countrified pop and carnival-esque spiralling keyboards, ‘Love is only in your mind’ bring the set to a bubbling happy note end. Exquisite.

Beat Sketching, November 2003

Four tracks on shiny disc from everyone's favourite home-run record label; and the song is like what? 'Like Tram moving at a slow Godspeed,' the reviewer thinks while he sorts out his laundry, his underwear hung over the drying rack like dead rats, 'Snow on Snow' evoking winter pictures and wishing for a Christmas release. Slow but modestly grand, like a chipped piano; content to be a bit sad. 'A bit like Grandaddy,' the reviewer later says more sensibly when sat at his computer and able to look at what he's thinking. Stars of Aviation use kids' keyboards while the kids are screaming outside (good backing vocals), and the adults are trying to watch the local news. Even a more upbeat song is called 'Stars of aviation are singing about the summer, but is it going to be sunny, Carol?' And 'Love is only in your mind' is like a happy Clearlake - modest, with a reason - but with just cause to sing. A lovely present stuck in a threadbare stocking. Watch this band…

Delusions of Adequacy, August 2003

Stars of Aviation hail from Brighton, England. They have released an EP, Snow on Snow, that encapsulates the feeling of living in a rather gray and rainy (or snowy) place, a place like Portland or Seattle, but with an accent. This type of weather inspires a certain sound. In the Pacific Northwest, rain somehow translated into grunge. In England, or at least the parts worth paying attention to, rain has translated into folkish odes to the countryside, best listened to on a wet Sunday morning.

The first track, "Snow on Snow," starts as a hushed Belle and Sebastian-esque number before ending in something approximating a full-on rock out. While the title track is definitely a good listen, Stars have a few more surprises up their sleeves. Track number deux, “Illumined,” is very reminiscent of Mull Historical Society: all quirky vocal patterns and “look at me, ma!” production (these kids know production). With a subdued yet bouncing melody, “Illumined” might be a missing B-side from the Beta Band catalogue. That’s the thing: Stars of Aviation have a comfortably familiar sound, though it’s one that changes from song to song. While I don’t think they show their influences too prominently, fans of the aforementioned bands will appreciate this younger outfits effort.

Basically, take a blender, put in some Beta Band, Belle and Sebastian, and Granddaddy, and voila! You have the Stars of Aviation: an eclectic mix of some of the best indie pop around. Like I said before, these kids know production. Check out tracks three and four, “Carol” and “Love is Only in Your Mind,” respectively. Propelled by computer and keyboard generated blips (a la Granddaddy), the songs also utilize the old standby guitars, drums, and ….wineglasses? Yes.

Overall, Snow on Snow is a very good release. It is a tad on the short side (it's an EP, I know, but why can’t we just call these short releases singles?), but it does it’s job and leaves you wondering when Stars of Aviation will put out a full-length and hop on a tour over here.

Splendid E-zine, August 2003

Snow on Snow, Stars of Aviation's third release since meeting in a language class at Cambridge, sounds like it could have been recorded in Glasgow, next door to a certain group of lanky Kafka aficionados with a similar penchant for pretty melodies and wry lyrics. "Stars of Aviation are singing about the summer, but is it going to be summer, Carol?" replicates Belle and Sebastian's mid-tempo gallop and whimsical, flat delivery with ease -- at least until a cascade of cheery synths washes out the acoustic guitars near the song's end -- and "Love Is Only in Your Mind" sounds suspiciously like "Mayfly" or even the beginning of "Like Dylan in the Movies".

But Stars of Aviation really come into their own on this single's best tracks, "Snow on Snow" and "Illumined". The first is an aching ballad that begins with a rotten time signature and lazy guitar figure before organ, synth, reverb and feedback pile on top of each other in an unexpectedly beautiful chorus, all while Jonny Anstead shyly sings about "snow on snow on snow". The second is shorter but more dynamic, starting out with "Snow on Snow"'s somewhat morbid Red House Painters tone and ending with a baroque-pop, la-la-la chorus.

Stars of Aviation may be delicate and Anglophiliac to a fault, but Snow on Snow subtly displays enough new ideas to move past the trappings of delicate, Northern-English pop and toward fresh, memorable and even timeless results.

No Ripcord, July 2003

When looking at a tracklist and seeing the title Stars of Aviation are singing about the summer, but is it going to be sunny, Carol?, it's hard not to be slightly biased towards the music before even hearing it. The title sums up the band rather nicely, this is very British lo-fi summer music. A-Side Snow on Snow is a beautiful little ballad, that sounds like an English rural Grandaddy. Also of note is Love is Only in Your Mind, another summery track, featuring a cheap keyboard used to great effect with vocal harmonies. It also seems to speed up, which keeps you on your toes. Gains extra marks because Snow on Snow manages to be a pop song written in 7/8 time, that works. Respect is due. 8/10

Bliss Aquamarine, July 2003

The title track is laid-back indiepop with atmospheric effects that really add to it. Illumined is slightly off-centre, slightly psychey pop. The excellently titled Stars of Aviation are singing about the summer, but is it going to be sunny, Carol? is next - I've heard this track before and it remains one of my favourites of theirs. This is excellent off-kilter indiepop with changey bits and a bleepy synth - but I reckon it would appeal to people who don't normally like quirky stuff. This song is well-crafted, not quirkiness for the sake of quirkiness. Love is Only in Your Mind has a melody somewhere between 60s pop and 80s indiepop, and adds to that more synth bleepery and atmospheric sounds. Brilliant!

Aiding and Abetting, July 2003

It's still cool in England to release singles. Oh, sure, there are some hip-hop outfits in the U.S. dropping 12"s every once in a while, but it seems the only place I get real singles from lies across the pond. It's too bad, because the short release can be a great format.

Stars of Aviation takes the opportunity to do four songs, each rather distinct from the other despite the fact that the band adheres fairly strongly to a dreamy pop ethic. One song sounds vaguely Kiwi, another somewhat Australian and the other two are decidedly British. I know, I'm splitting hairs, but when you've heard enough of this stuff you start to truly appreciate those who have mastered the art of subtlety. [?]

And when you name a song "Stars of Aviation Are Singing About Summer, But Is It Going to Be Sunny, Carol?," the only thing a guy like me can do is smile. Which is what I did the entire time I was listening to this disc.

Penny Black Music, May 2003

While the Stars of Aviation’s progress has been frustratingly slow, their dogged persistance, getting together as and when they can despite such locational odds, has paid off. With the four song, thirteen minute ‘Snow on Snow’, the band, who last time around drew favourable critical comparisions with Mercury Rev, the Flaming Lips and Grandaddy, have created an often mesmerising work that builds neatly upon the grandiloquent, reflective tensions of their first two outings. The majestic title track combines hazy, slowly strummed guitars and pealing church bell keyboards with a mysterious, stark lyric from Anstead about an expedition to the North Pole. It begins softly, gradually surges upwards and then peaks in a great frenzy of sound, before fading away in a low level hum of feedback. The effect is stunning. ‘Illumined’, the second track, which was written in St Petersburg, is in a similar vein. At only two and half minutes in length, rather than the nearly five minute running time of ‘Snow on Snow’, it comes too a head too quickly though, and lacks the lingering force and emotional impact of its predecessor. The delightful ‘Stars of Aviation are singing about the summer, but is it going to be sunny, Carol ?’, however, finds the band back on form and has a tingling carousel sound. It pays amusing lip service to a weather girl on the BBC’s 'Look East’ regional news programme, and climaxes with a gorgeous waltzing keyboard solo. The last track on 'Snow on Snow' is the the super-melodic ‘Love is Only in Your Mind’, which brings the EP to a convincing and suitably breezy end. The Stars of Aviation’s musical outings have always been rare, and their output small. On the evidence of this though, as they also did on 'The Greatest Disappointment', they prove once again to be an act very much worth taking the long wait for.

Do Something Pretty, May 2003

Stars of Aviation count a ‘wine glass’ amongst their instrumentation, all very twee I’m thinking but on listening to this wonderful record the band probably have the ability to create a pleasing noise from metal bins. Snow on Snow includes some of the most beautiful sounds this great isle has heard in a long time, most notably Illumined, a nostalgic swaying masterpiece. The delicate nervous vocals have a strangely powerful effect much in the same vein of Grandaddy’s Jason Lytle, without the unnecessarily high pitched warble. Swirling electronics, feet tapping beats, organs and whatever sound they made with the wine glass give each song incredible atmosphere. Unlike most indie pop this is a joyous record without shame and pretence, playing on all that is positive in our minds and encouraging a feeling of content. Delightful.

Logo Magazine, May 2003

Apparently the songs on this EP were recorded in an oak-panelled library and a seaside holiday home in front of a crackling log fire, by four people who met by chance in a Russian language class. It makes you want to hate them doesn’t it? It’s impossible though, the slight air of pretension aside - one track is entitled ‘Stars Of Aviation are singing about the summer, but is it going to be sunny, Carol? - this is mellifluous, timeless chamber pop of the sort that Buffseeds, Goldrush et al reach for, but only sporadically achieve. They’re tougher than Belle & Sebastian, and not as harrowing as Meanwhile, Back In Communist Russia, slotting seamlessly into the ever-extending alt. pop continuum and giving rise to hopes that the coming revolution - the one that will see the hegemony of the Fame Academy generation destroyed forever - will be led by such as these. Whether you’re sitting in front of a winter fire with a good book and a glass of wine, or lying in bed on a glorious sunny Sunday morning, ‘Snow On Snow’ should always be beside you.

Nunu World Music, May 2003

Stars of Aviation are a gentle little band. Snow On Snow builds up slowly, starting a bit lo-fi ish, builds up to a little crescendo, and almost as if it's too much effort, fades away again. All the other tracks follow in a similar vein. They sound like the shy sort of band who will look meekly out from under their fringe when they more, and even a little yell would scare them back into their shell. However by the end of this CD, (on the 4th track Love Is Only In Your Mind) they've lightened up with a brighter feel, and electronicy bits, but still with a very gentle overall feel. 4/5

Tangents, May 2003

Stars of Aviation know so much about the English Summer of Rain that they even have a song called ‘Stars Of Aviation are singing about the summer, but is it going to be sunny, Carol?’ I expect anyone from outside of these blighted isles will fail to catch the reference in the title, but that’s half the fun, and almost all of the point. Sonically, Stars of Aviation are a sweeping success, conjuring up notions of Galaxie 500 sucking on The Pastels, or The Clientele riding Telstar Ponies into the sunset. In an ideal world their four track ‘Snow On Snow’ EP would be blaring loudly from every bedroom window the land over.

soundsxp, May 2003

Now this really is lovely. Snow on Snow is the sound of an English Yo La Tengo skipping through the fluffy white stuff on a deserted country lane to get to the pub on a crisp January evening. It’s a shame that we’re already too ensconced in spring for its beauty to be fully appreciated – bad timing lads. Elsewhere Illumined follows the same sweet path but with clarinets and la-la-las and Love is only in your mind shares much in common with fellow south coasters Clearlake. Special mention though goes to the wonderful cheesy-local-news-link titled Stars of Aviation are singing about summer, but is it going to be sunny, Carol?, which sounds like Ant from Hefner singing over Grandaddy’s keyboards. Absolutely gorgeous.

Ballroom Favourites, May 2003

I think, perhaps, Stars of Aviation might be mates with British Sea Power. Not because they share any musical sensibilities (they do, but it’s not pronounced) but because their press release says that Snow on Snow ‘sets sail towards the North Pole at the pace of an icebreaker’, and that it was recorded in an oak paneled library in front of a ‘crackling log fire’. Also, they met in Russian Class and enjoy taking trips to the seaside. They come from Brighton too, so it’s just as well. It all just smells a bit BSP which is a really really good thing. What it sounds like is the English Country Side in High Summer. What it sounds like is a warm bath with a mug of hot cocoa in front of the fire afterwards. What it sounds like is sweetness and light with a tiny little voice. Like electro/romance-o-pop. They like Grandaddy quite a bit, and Looper and The Delgados and Belle and Sebastian…They are lovely.

Kaytronika, May 2003

Lovely navel gazing from SoA, who seem to specialise in the kind of floaty dream pop that haunts the more ethereal moments of Grandaddy and Sparklehorse (they sharre these bands passion for unorthodox instrumentation too, although I think two wine glass players is a little over the top). Not quite as lo-fi as this kind of thing tends to be, but SoA manage to keep a mournful heart underneath the polish. The title track is the one to watch here, as a gorgeous vocal is swept along on waves of lush guitar.

PopNews, May 2003

Les Stars of Aviation sont de sacrés plaisantins : non seulement ils s'amusent avec des titres à rallonge ("Stars of Aviation Are Singing About The Summer, But Is It Going To Be Sunny, Carol?", ouf), mais en plus, ils brouillent les pistes : été (Belle and Sebastian sur "Stars of Aviation Are Singing About...", donc) ou hiver ("Snow on Snow" ou "Illumined", entre Galaxie 500 et Mojave 3) ? le groupe ne choisit pas et c'est tant mieux, et nous voici donc avec quatre miniatures fragiles, joliment ouvragées, sans se presser, à fines touches de guitare acoustique, de synthés psychotropes, de trompette et de voix languissantes. Les coeurs sensibles ont déjà pris note du nom du groupe. Messieurs-dames, vous êtes attendus.

(Translation: "They are jokers, these Stars of Aviation. Not only do they play around with some ridiculously long titles ("Stars of Aviation Are Singing About The Summer, But Is It Going To Be Sunny, Carol?", phew) but also they keep you guessing - one minute it's summer (the Belle & Sebastian sounds of "Stars of Aviation Are Singing About..."), the next it's winter ("Snow on Snow" and "Illumined", between Galaxie 500 and Mojave 3) - they can't seem to make up their minds. And so much the better. These 4 fragile miniatures are unhurried and beautifully put together with some gentle touches of acoustic guitar, psyched synths, trumpet and dreamy voices. The sensitive kids have already got their eyes on this group - don't delay any longer, ladies and gentlemen.")

Musique Deluxe, May 2003

Als "vier einfache Popsongs mit einem warmen Herz" bezeichnen die Stars Of Aviation die Lieder ihrer neuen EP. Eine nette Beschreibung für ihren melancholischen Indiepop. Unbestrittenes Highlight ist der Titeltrack "Snow On Snow", eine schleppende Lo-Fi-Komposition über eine Reise auf einem Eisbrecher zum Nordpol. Die Stars Of Aviation erklingen hier als britische Variante von Grandaddy oder den Butterflies Of Love - schlichte stimmige Popsongs. Das zweite herausragende Lied ist "Stars Of Aviation Are Singing About The Summer... ", bei dem wohl nur Carol weiß, ob er sonnig wird. Eine mehr als gelungene Lo-Fi-Indie EP.

Britpop Arsenal, May 2003

Vier verträumte Pop-Songs mit Herz beglücken den Hörer. Stars Of Aviation fanden sich vor einigen Jahren zusammen und präsentieren mit "Snow On Snow" ihr Können. In manchen Momenten erinnern sie an Grandaddy oder Sparklehorse, mit denen sie sie unorthodoxe Instrumentalisierung gemein haben. Und doch sind da die Augenblicke, wo man meint Bell and Sebastian-Einflüsse heraushören zu können. Die Briten machen schicken Pop, der sehnsüchtige Emotionen weckt ohne kitschig zu sein. 8/10

(Translation: "Four dreamy pop songs to warm the listener's heart. Stars of Aviation have been going for some years and on "Snow on Snow" they show what they are capable of. They occasionally sound like Grandaddy or Sparklehorse and use similar arrangements to both of those bands. However, there are moments where you can hear the influence of Belle and Sebastian. These Brits have created some cool pop music which evokes a feeling of longing, but stays on the right side of tweeness.")

Collective, May 2003

I think these dudes sent me something for review 'back in the day'. The name seems familiar anyway. I have to say I really like the design for the cd, it's done in sepia tone with a picture of an old aeroplane and a bunch of dudes standing around it. Really nice! I also had a giggle that one of the song titles is "Stars of Aviation are singing about the summer, but is it going to be sunny, Carol?" There are 4 songs, and early on this is a really blissed out, chilled indie sound with maybe a bit of country in there too. Everything is slow and drawn out, with softly sung vocals gently creeping over the top, picking up into occasional moments of energy. It's rather Low-ish, if the truth be told, especially when it builds to the walls of sound such as on "Snow on Snow". They even have female vocals in the background by the sounds of it. Very warm, pretty music. Recorded in a library even, heh, awesome. Following that is "Illumined", which is nice and (relatively!) upbeat indie number. Again, it is of a fairly plodding pace and has some serene moments but it is nicely melodic and has "la la la" bits. Somehow during the course of this review I have lost the CD case, so I don't know what track 3 is called. D'oh. The band have settled into a flow by now, with another quiet one, nice boy+girl harmonies and a repetetive keyboard part in the background, which turns into something more substantial later. It's all very pleasant, though this one is more twee than the first two tracks. We wind up on another twee-ish track, and I still haven't found the box. Grr. Again there is keyboard, and it is the most upbeat of the 4 songs on here. I did prefer the first 2 more quiet efforts, but I enjoyed all of it anyway. It is easily summed up using the exact same adjective that I reckon I used last time I reviewed these folks: nice. Yay! Plus I really like their name. And they thank the weather department at BBC Look East, eh? PS - I FOUND THE CASE, I FOUND THE CASE!