After recovering from a truly eventful and unforgettable
tour (see here), the Malones and Aircraft have fast forwarded through the
uncomfortable awkwardness of pregnancy and released a raving lunatic child into
the wilderness together. Infused with equal parts Malones and Aircraft DNA, their
new 4 track Split EP came from out of nowhere onto Steak and Cake Records, and immediately makes a lasting
impression. Literally. These songs will rattle, shuffle ,and repeat through your
brain for quite some time and you won’t even contemplate suicide once.
The debauchery begins with “4 AM,” a Malones number that
evokes the purgatory between a late night of partying and the random
philosophical conversations that occur right before sunrise. It could mean
something completely different to you, which is what is impressive about the
bands’ lyrics. They’re instantly relatable, but vague enough to be interpretative.
Speaking of lyrics, “Handshake” contains some gritty lyrical
gold. “I’ll turn your never into always/I’ll turn your trust into an ashtray,” is
a standout line. Simultaneously upbeat and foreboding,
this ditty keeps you bobbing your head, content in the moment. The bass line
fishes your attention right out of the water, and may be the catchiest part of
the song. Grounded in opposition, this track is at once carefree and heavy.
Aircraft’s “Sink or Swim” begins with vigorous percussion
before diving into the luminescent, aquatic tones that emulate the title. The
spatial mood of the song is partially due to the reverb soaked tones, and also
to the nearly surf-rock guitar riffs. The tempo changes pick you up, throw you
around, and finally let you decide your fate.
“Space Euphoria” is a track that demonstrates how truly
atmospheric Aircraft can be. The back-up vocals add to the giant sounding
arrangement, and rightfully so, because space is big. Really big. The song
evokes the desire to blast off into the unknown seeking an uncertain
destination because god-knows-why. You’re bored, dissatisfied or curious.
Improbability leads you to seek other methods of achieving space travel. You ever
feel like that, man? Well you aren’t going anywhere fast, so listen to this
song instead.
The disclaimer is that you may binge on these songs and OD,
and then roll around your room scratching your eyes out from withdrawal. It’s
okay. The EP may leave you itching for a full-length release from these fellas,
but you’ll be happy enough with these four tracks. And who needs more than
happy enough?
Listen/purchase here.
Listen/purchase here.
Both of these bands fucking own, brah!
Yes! These tunes are real toe tappers...er, brah.
These bands can both take my brah right off.