Aviary: Ambition

After the success of the CD reissue of Aviary's one and only major label recording last year, the band has decided to dig out of the vaults the finished second album that was never released. Titled Ambition, it is rather evident that the band tried to become more "ambitious" with these songs, which perhaps bothered SONY and prompted their being dropped from the label. This is good news for progressive rock fans, as Aviary carried over the distinctive, multi-layered harmonies and melodies that dripped all over their amazing debut, but added a lot more complex instrumentation and heaping amounts of vintage keyboard sounds.

All of the songs on Ambition were recorded between 1977-1979, with the exception of "Eva's Birthday", which was recorded before Aviary's debut back in 1975. That song is actually a bit different sounding than most of the other tunes in this set, combining a bit of Frank Zappa and The Beatles for a rather humorous but intriguing little ditty. "Hello" could have easily come off the debut, a vibrant, upbeat symphonic tune with Brad Love's cheery vocals leading the way like a cross between Jeff Lynne, Freddie Mercury, and John Lennon. The epic, 11-minute prog tour-de-force "Desert Songs/Pharaohs March" will delight any fan of the genre, alternating between majestic keyboard led melodicism and raging guitar/organ prog-metal. Love's shrieking vocals cover a wide spectrum, and the intricate guitar work of Toby Gowen and Paul Madden's vintage keyboard work bring to mind classic Deep Purple or Uriah Heep. Dazzling Moog synthesizer lines from Madden team up with booming bass work from Ken Steimonts to give a strong ELP feel on "Working Girl", and the band combines soaring harmonies with intricate Gentle Giant intensity on the rocking "Yes and No." Keyboard lovers will drool after hearing the generous amounts of Mellotron, Hammond, and synths on the bubbly "The Sun, The Sand", complete with ELO styled vocal harmonies.

This is another compelling and gorgeous release from a band that should have been huge. It's all here folks-killer vocals, loads of intense instrumentation, and drop-dead perfect melodies. While the debut probably gets the edge as far as craftier melodies goes (not that this is lacking mind you), Ambition gets a slight nod as being more of what a progressive rock fan might want to hear. Every song is a gem in this collection, mixing pop hooks, hard rock, and intelligent progressive rock. This is highly, highly recommended!

Added: June 25th 2003
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:
Related Link: Brad Love/Aviary Website
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Language: english

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