Sunday, June 29, 2008

Sky Eats Airplane - S/T


So I have to admit I fell into a deep trap with this band. My first impression with this band upon very first listen, was that they were just like everyone else, didn't give a ton of thought. Then my band actually played with them when we were on tour, maybe on 4 or 5 dates, and they didn't put off the greatest vibe in the world, so ultimately I just wrote them off. Upon second a second chance listen, I found myself being drawn into this band, listening, and looking deeper, and I remember thinking, wow there actually is something to this band.

Beneath the surface of downtrodden, carbon copy music that is almost put off from this bands reputation, lies an incredibly talented band. Probably one of the more talented new bands around. Sky Eats Airplane layers their mix of start stoppy metalcore, with electronic OVERTONES, not to be confused with undertones, and then distributes tastefully, a layer of power pop esque vocal hooks. This is where I think this band gets a bad wrap, because these choruses stick out so much, it's easy to turn ones back.

However, the appreciation for this band lies with the electronics. The digital beats lead the charge with this band, and almost let the music add the texture. The music itself is reminescent of bands like Scarlet, Misery Signals, and at some points Messhugah like breakdowns, not to mention som MASTERFUL guitar work. If there was ever any doubt, simply skip ahead to track 10, "Machines". If every track on this record was musically like this song, this band would take over the world. It's Dillinger Escaple Plan song structure, mixed with the attitude of Scarlet make this song stick out insanely, the song is SO impressive it's not even funny.

As far the record goes, it all goes toegether nicely, and it has its ups and downs. While the diversity is a good thing, some songs do have some cheeseball factor with the singing and lyrics, however everything works together good. The record has some songs that are straight singy, hooky power pop songs with a few breakdowns, and they have songs that are strictly techy, however the rest of the record include songs that blend the two together.

Bottom line is I think this band has it down, and I respect them. I would love to see more bands like this actually, maybe not with the whole electronic thing as present, and NOT with a keyboard. There is a big difference between electronic loops (more difficult) and a keyboard that adds texture.

FINAL GRADE: A-

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