Retrospect EP - Aviations (Album Review)
When drummer James Knoerl and guitarist Sam Harchik started writing together at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, they were soon joined by vocalist Adam Benjamin to debut Aviations’ first album, Declaration of Sound, in 2012. In the years that followed, guitarist Eric Palmer, bassist Werner Erkelens, and pianist Richard Blumenthal would join to round out the project’s live band and future studio endeavors. After years on the road and a brief hiatus, they returned with their fleshed out metal sound on The Light Years, an album that took their refined songwriting and paired it with the years of experience each member had creating and producing on their instruments and as a unit. All the while, their fan base continued to grow and eagerly latch on to every aspect of their distinct combination of stylistic influences. Now, in the midst of a pandemic and spread across multiple cities, the band has come together to release Retrospect, an EP that looks back to moments along their journey as a group with rose colored glasses. (I might take that out)
There are three tunes, two of them with added instrumental tracks, that make up this release and draw from their first two records. Right away, the EP kicks off with a classic from this group, “Nineties Nine Ties,” their debut single as a band. There is a distinct fullness to these instrumental parts this time around, shaped and polished with a combination of newer gear and mixing techniques. There is an underlying confidence to this tune, a feeling of delight in treading familiar ground with the wisdom of hours spent in studio sessions and on tours while growing as performers, producers, and recording artists. There is a power behind the riffage this time around that elevates this tune to new heights, with a clarity to their guitar and bass tones that helps distinguish dissonant chord clusters with thick harmonic layers. The familiar breakdown, all the while shifting meter, hits harder with added swells and electronic stutters. The tune ends with a vocal reprise of the chorus overtop bass and drums, driving the song right to the final expression.
The next track, “Outliers,” is such a wonderful upgrade from the original recording that shows just how far the band has come. It feels like a wave of sound, something you’d want to hear live with a crowd of fans eagerly awaiting this 11 minute opus. Piano and synth lines glide overtop meaty bass and guitar riffs as thundering drums drive the track forward. Vocals soar, threading the thumping riffage and cementing the collective sound with an emotional delivery. The middle instrumental shifts from a technical display to some truly mean breakdown riffs, opening up to a chaotically layered build that abruptly shifts into some truly cinematic orchestral sounds. This whole tune feels like a celebration, showcasing each band member among a diverse texture of ambient soundscapes and stellar musicianship as they collectively revel in a powerful moment of artistry.
Taken from their most recent full-length album, “Two Days” is acoustically reimagined with the band performing the track live. Distorted guitars are swapped for acoustic tones, sticks are traded for brushes, and an intimate listening moment is shaped throughout the track. This tune ebbs and flows, building and opening up to a wonderful guitar counterpoint paired with glistening piano, warm bass, a soft patter of drums, and heartwarming vocals. One moment in particular stands out from the original recording, when the opening riff is re-contextualized with new harmonies that keep looping towards the end of the track. This moment is such a beautiful expression from a band whose genre is normally perceived one-dimensional, with each member showing maturity in their music-making and in their time together as a band.
If this is your first time listening to Aviations, this record serves as a launching point for their future endeavors and a great time to jump on board their fanbase. The subtle changes to the songwriting from their previous iterations are a delight to long-time listeners while easily dazzling curious newcomers. From the dynamic range of the instrumentals to the emotional expressions from each artist, this record shifts from an intimate living room concert vibe to a full-production explosion of sound and color. It’s no small feat that this band continues to collaborate, and Retrospect is a beautiful moment of reflection and celebration that is a joy to experience.
Album Credits:
Aviations is...
Adam Benjamin | Vocals
James Knoerl | Drums
Sam Harchik | Guitar
Eric Palmer | Guitar
Werner Erkelens | Bass
Richard Blumenthal | Piano
Written & Performed by Aviations
Drums Engineered by James Knoerl
Guitars & Bass Engineered by Sam Harchik
Piano Engineered by Richard Blumenthal
Vocals Engineered by Adam Benjamin
Produced by Sam Harchik
Mixed by Adam Bentley & Sam Harchik
Mastered by Ermin Hamidovic of Systematic Productions
Album Art and Band Photo Design by Sam Harchik
Band Photography by Lee Delulio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AviationsBand/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aviationsband/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AviationsMusic
YouTube: http://youtube.com/aviationsmusic
Bandcamp: http://aviations.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6dW9mkTQTr10cm2Lv4pPuY
Press Kit: https://www.presskit.to/aviations
