Aisles: In Sudden Walks

I am not sure how well known Chile is for producing quality symphonic and neo progressive music but the band Aisles have surely done that with the release of their second album In Sudden Walks. The band formed in 2001 and released their debut The Yearning in 2005 which I have yet to hear. The seven member band includes Alejandro Mélendez (keyboards, vocals), Rodrigo Sepúlveda (electric and acoustic guitars, vocals), Germán Vergara (electric and acoustic guitars, vocals), Felipe González (bass), Luis Vergara (keyboards), Sebastián Vergara (lead and background vocals, flute) and Felipe Candia (drums and percussion).

If you enjoy your progressive music in the neo/symphonic styles and with an overall mellow sound you will probably like In Sudden Walks. The band's music is very melodic and many of these tunes incorporate quieter sections, bordering on ambient, demonstrating a nice contrast of styles, although the music of Aisles never approaches heavy prog. At times I was reminded of Marillion, the softer side of Pink Floyd, and Camel. The band's sound has a decidedly European flavour, but Latin American influences do show up occasionally. The album was quite a long time in the making and it is obvious a lot of thought went into these songs. The band has also incorporated some theater in the compositions, especially prevalent in the album opener, "Mariachi", where the progressive soundscapes are inundated with Spanish dialogue between various actors. The sound is very symphonic with a nice melody and Floydy lead guitar. The dreamy "Revolution of Light", with traces of Camel and Marillion, is catchy and melodic and has a smooth sound. The vocals of Sebastián Vergara are very good, ideally suited for the band's softer style of prog. "The Maiden" is a nice blend of neo-prog and folk with Latin influenced acoustic guitar before the band gathers some momentum and shows some pretty good chops.

The album's final song is "Hawaii", beginning with gentle acoustic guitar and atmospheric keys. The song takes a romantic ballad approach and requires a couple of listens before hidden nuances and textures are revealed. The moody backdrop at times invoked Roxy Music's Avalon, especially the Manzaneraesque guitar playing and the band's attention to detail.

While not overly complex or completely original, if there is such a thing, In Sudden Walks is still a fine listen that should appeal to fans of melodic progressive rock done in a mellower vein. Well done gentlemen.

Track Listing:
1. Mariachi (9:59)
2. Revolution of Light (4:41)
3. Summer Fall (9:56)
4. The Maiden (9:28)
5. Smile of Tears (4:00)
6. Hawaii (14:58)

Added: August 5th 2010
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 4198
Language: english

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