aeroplane
April 22, 2008
NR One Records
Sun
The album starts with the track Sun. With a sound that shows influences from other UK acts (especially Travis & maybe Oasis come to mind) this song shows that aeroplane isn’t trying to fool around, but they’re serious in their approach. Sun might have some weird tweaks and edges, but the mix of indie and mainstream alternative rock is clever and strong.
Symbol Of New Hope
The album continues with the uptempo Symbol of New Hope which fits right in the ‘indie-sound’ that is currently on the radio everywhere. And although this track isn’t the band’s best effort on this album, it has a good flow and a certain catchiness lies within the forward drive of the song. The vocals are especially strong, but the whole thing is pretty solid.
Stop Start
Then the lead single Stop Start which is definitely one of the best tracks on the CD. Bands with an indie sound like Keane, Snow Patrol, Saybia & Delaware should be aware there’s another player in the ballpark. aeroplane delivers on their promise. Stop Start is a killer song with radio appeal and a melody that sticks in your head for days to come.
Wishstar
The title track is up next. Wishstar features this band’s prime moment on this album. Musically the song is very strong and shows that this band is very capable of writing solid rock songs with commercial appeal. The vocals are clear, the instruments interact nicely and the song just clicks.
Thank You
Thank You is one of my personal favorites with its more laid-back intro that leads into an energy-laden build-up. When the song kicks in overdrive it’s right what the song needs. The timing is impeccable and the band is a great collective on this song. Would be a great live song as well.
Try
On Try the vocals are the strongest part of the song. The spheric, anthemic build-up of the song is quite well done, and it would make for a great live song. It’s probably not my favorite, but the band did a fine job on Try.
Living Without Moving
This must be my favorite song title on this album. Musically and vocally I’m afraid this song is one of the weaker ones on the album. Not to say it’s a bad song, because it’s not, and it actually has a pretty catchy and likeable chorus, but it doesn’t really stand out compared to other tracks on this album, or other songs on the airwaves.
Survivors Of The Crash
The intro with the drums and guitar immediately makes a statement and the song (which reminds me of Snow Patrol kinda) carries on in a similarly impressive fashion. The guitar/drums are the solid basis of this song, and while it does get repetitive, the vocals take away from that, and when the song launches into the chorus, you hear that aeroplane really is a very good band.
Us
Us is my favorite track on this album. The alternative rocker shows us this band can write some killer hooks and use effects in a way that adds to the song instead of distract from it. Everything works together really well, and aeroplane can be proud of what they produced here.
The Whole Picture
Near the end of the album, aeroplane pull another gem out of their sleeve. The Whole Picture has a great indie sound, and is very melodic and I believe it’s good enough to be charted. It should be at least. It has a certain catchiness about it and the vocals are very strong, while lyrically this is their best song.
Borders
The album ends with Borders which isn’t really one of the band’s best songs. Actually, it probably is my least favorite song on the whole album. Vocally it doesn’t meet the standard we’ve heard all through the rest of the album, and musically it doesn’t spark the enthusiasm that I’ve come to expect from this band. It doesn’t take away that this band delivered a pretty strong debut album though.
“Wishstar” is a very solid debut for aeroplane. There’s room for growth in several aspects, but they show a determination and talent in their passionately performed indie songs, and if they continue to develop themselves and settle into their comfort zone more as time goes by, this band really does have a future. Remember that bands like Snow Patrol, Feeder & Athlete weren’t big names right away either. But these bands should definitely expect stiff competition in the charts if aeroplane can continue down this path.