- Rewind 2004-1 (Glister-Pulse, 2004)
By: Tom O'Connell
Some of the best bands in the New York independent rock scene barely get a mention in the Village Voice; other mediocre bands catch some quick press and are selling out Irving Plaza before you can blink. Aerovox are a rare breed in that they are quite deserving of the significant praise they have received from radio stations like Q104.3 and publications like CMJ and Neon NYC. Their music is a spacey alternative pop led by Jeff Darien's vocals and Wil Jimenez's hook-filled guitar riffs. Bassist Cy Donovan and drummer Jason Graciolett add rhythmic style and color to Aerovox's new EP, Rewind 2004-1.
"Don't Fade Out" begins with a simple rhythm guitar riff. One by one the drums and bass trickle in, and when we finally hear the lead guitar the song takes off with the energy of a bullet. Jeff Darien's sailing voice on "A Million" makes it one of the catchiest choruses you'll hear all year. He sings out with the slightest hint of sadness and longing, unable to let go though he knows it is inevitable. "Come and take me as I am / No, it's not part of the plan / So believe me when I say that I paid for yesterday / I don't want to say goodbye." "Beat You Up" has an infectious bass groove that oozes up and down the fret board as though the bassist's hands were part of his instrument. The echoed wail of the two guitars give a creepy feel to "Could've Been a Contender."
"Home" the best song on Aerovox's new EP Rewind 2004-1,
melts Yeah Yeah Yeahs drums with Walkmen vocals and honest lyrics for a sound
that slowly rises to the album's soaring climax. Darien seems to acknowledge
but still disregard his problems, "I know something's wrong with this /
I can't help but breathe a sigh of relief." The song lacks pride or pretension,
opting instead for self-deprecation, "Trip me, trip me up / and strip me,
strip me of me of my rank and all my dignity." The final instrumental seconds
build up speed and intensity until the song virtually explodes. Rewind 2004-1
is a great follow up to Aerovox's debut EP The Sky Highatrist. Expect big things
from this band in the near future.