Aereogramme

Seclusion

(Sonic Unyon)

Record Review by Alexis Roberts

I couldn’t possibly like Aereogramme more. These four men from Scotland really know what’s up when it comes to making beautiful music. From the second this album begins to the last lingering note, Seclusion is truly a masterpiece. The only problem? It’s a meager six tracks long, and will leave you feeling half-full after digesting it.

Each track showcases the versatility of Aereogramme’s members. The final song on the album is an instrumental piece titled “The Alternate Score” and might be one of the most enlightened instrumental pieces from a rock band—ever. The other tracks (ranging from the four minute mark up through eleven minutes) evoke emotions within the listener that most people probably forgot they had. On “I Don’t Need Your Love,” they have managed to make the most fragile song the most destructive. It’s so light, yet every word will catch you off guard and hit you like a cinder block. As the lyrics “Only time will tell/ That I know/ I don’t need your love/ I don’t need your conscience” melt from your speakers, and the strings and bells radiate behind them, one can only attempt to not become an emotional mess.

Followers of Copeland, Elliott, Mogwai and Death Cab for Cutie would probably fancy this album, yet Aereogramme still brings something new to the table with Seclusion. For instance, they have included a bonus short film enhancement on the disc. There are two versions that differ only slightly, one is to “Dreams and Bridges,” and the other is to “The Alternate Score.” They are both freaking horrifying. I don’t want to give it away, but it seems that it may have been inspired by The Ring. I recommend not watching it alone, or at night, because it will give you the creeps.