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Aerial

The Sentinel (2007)
Europe

Reviewer Rating:

Contributed by: Brian
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on November 16th 2007

As derivative as it may get at points, Aerial's The Sentinel is a surprisingly strong effort from some post-rock Swedes.

Aerial take Explosions in the Sky's signature atmospheres, sometimes employing vocals over it that, when it isn't seemingly aping Interpol, actually adds to the beautiful melancholia of the album. And even then, it's quite a complementary layer. Often popping up to chant repetitively over the instruments, it's a bit dizzying, and almost hypnotic, really (i.e. "Walk with Me").

The band's standard modus operandi isn't fully evident with The Sentinel's intro of sorts, "Heads Gone"; it's a 1:37 track that adds background chatter to methodically plucked octaves and a sweet, alluring, lullaby-like singer. But once the patterned, pretty stomp of "My God, It's Full of Stars" kicks in, the RIYL slot becomes an easy mad lib.

The Sentinel does indeed tread rather familiar territory for much of its course, but it's a stomping ground you'll be happy to accompany them on. But what also helps make the album so striking is its deliberate approach of darkening the moods ever so slightly in some songs, only to reveal an optimistic light towards the end of the tunnel (song). "46th St." is a particularly great example; it's a seven-minute piece that transitions between its sections perfectly. The band simply knows how to work the dueling flutter of twin guitars to the its advantage.

All in all, The Sentinel is a captivating, assuredly enjoyable release. There's certainly some proud wearing of the influences, but they couldn't be tailored better.

You Will All Die, All Things Will

STREAM
Heads Gone
My God, It's Full of Stars

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Tokin66 (November 17, 2007)

Just checked it out....not a bad record. I agree that the interpol reference just doesn't relate...

And dont listen to wyzo...he doesnt speak for all us ;)

wyzo (November 16, 2007)

"I know I like a lot of european acts, it seems so weird that they would just say no."

Americans wondering how anyone could say no to them, how fresh.

Quit date raping music. I'm just speaking for all the frog legs who are tired of being under chicken's shadow.

wyzo

thus_spoke_sean (November 16, 2007)

wow wyzo, good to know that you speak for every single european band!

and who would have thought that all those bands were so closed minded that they weren't paying any attention to any american music! thats fucked up! I know I like a lot of european acts, it seems so weird that they would just say no.

but i guess you know best right?

wyzo (November 16, 2007)

"when it isn't seemingly aping Interpol"

I didn't hear this at all, and think this reference is a bit of a wild goose chase for people trying to get an idea of this band from the review.

This record is also older than november 15th as this review lists. I've had it, legitimately bought, since at least march.

Anyway, FYI america, the swedes and the europeans don't give a rats ass about being compared to whatever hyped band you THINK they are copies of, they frankly aren't paying attention, and don't care.

That said, besides this record here, check out the new-ish Scraps of Tape album, thats a killer.

wyzo