Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
To be in the presence of exuberance is to feel cheer spread from the inner most part of the delicate soul we rarely speak of, let alone acknowledge its existence, and see that feast of merriment take hold and glow on the skin and the smile on the face erupt passionately as we acknowledge that if possible we could dispense with everything else if it meant we could just admit we were in love with the world.
To feel love of any nature, for any artistic endeavour is to understand that everything has a story attached to it, even the nonverbal exchange demonstrated by the experimental, substantial exercise that the Aerialists have pushed into the limelight in their move away from the introspective constant is one of thoughtful absorption and in the brand new album I Lost My Heart On Friday it shines so brightly that the listener cannot fail to see the love and need for applause garnished with optimistic creativity.
This embracing of a new perspective is one of lively essence, an attitude of cool temperament and driven by a sound of captivating melodies which have been shown the secrets of alchemy.
Born from the shrouds of isolation as a second summer of lockdown beckoned, the Celtic, neo-traditional outlook took on greater emphasis as a different source of energy found its way into the outlook of the spell binding harpist Màiri Chaimbeul, fiddle player Elise Boeur, and Adam Iredale-Gray’s outlook, and when coupled with the addition of Robert Alan Mackie and Steven Foster on guitar and drums respectively, I Lost My Heart On Friday is a pulse that combines precise rhythm and the otherworldly, the fragile with the clear and yet instinctive angry charm.
Across tracks such as Festivalpolskas, Memories of Anascaul, the superb The Shoemaker’s Daughter, The Bodach And The Lads, and Gammel-Steinomen, the artistry that was made physically endearing in previous recordings, now sees the band turn on the strength on the machine and in its assembly, it has become a force, an intensity of influence, one of dynamite persuasion written throughout every bar and reel.
An impressive change of perception and drive, but always one in which the Aerialists take a giant step forward.
Aerialists release I Lost My Heart On Friday on October 18th via Fiddlehead Records.
Ian D. Hall