After nearly three years of relative incubation, Aereogramme hasresurfaced with a monster EP showcasing, in only 32 minutes, theirrepertoire of noise, affinity for technology, mastery of songcraft,lust for those heavy metal chords, and respect of beautiful pop. Ifthat's not enough, Seclusion comes equipped with a music video,repeated (same video, different songs), directed by Steven Morrison andpaying homage to Japanese horror directors Hideo Nakata and TakashiShimizu.Sonic Unyon
Even at only the first few seconds, I'm already excited thatAereogramme have returned. The six song EP launches with aforceful song, "Inkwell," that skillfully marries a catchy overdrivenguitar riff, Craig's pretty and wistful voice, and only a hint ofkeyboards. And, thankfully, they're those fat type of keys that workedwell with the '80s rock bands like the Cars. Things take a bit ofa sinister turn with songs like "Dreams and Bridges," the song thatscores one of the music videos, and the massive 10-ish minute-longmagnum opus, "The Unravelling." Each, of course, have theirmoments of beauty sandwiched in between screaming vocals and wailingguitars. "The Unravelling" is undeniably a treat, opening withthe sounds of a film reel, creeping in, building to anthemic heights ofcinematic levels, unleashing the fury. In a flash, however, itparts ways for an alternate melody, quelling down with the film soundsat the end. "I Don't Need Your Love" is a lush tug of the heartstrings while "Lightning Strikes the Postman" is a punchy but classyFlaming Lips cover decorated with a (possibly tongue-in-cheek) wankyhair-metal guitar solo. The EP ends with "Alternate Score," aninstrumental which is just that, an alternate score to the fabulouslyfrightening horror film music video which isn't to be ignored on thisdisc, fully charged with banging piano and a heart-racingtension. When it's done, it's unmistakably done.
Wonderfully graced by cover artwork by Isis/HydraHead Records guy AaronTurner, this EP is a fantastic reintroduction to the Scottish quartet,a band I've sincerely missed. A new albm is promised before theend of the year and with any luck, some live dates will be posted soon.
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