“aloha”
Aloha
The Great Communicators, The Interpreters, The Non-Believers
Polyvinyl
Polyvinyl has brought another band from obscurity into the limelight they truly deserve. Between this EP and the new Paris, Texas record, Polyvinyl could arguably be the most innovative, yet still accessible, label around. And that’s exactly what Aloha are, innovative, yet accessible. They use vibes as the lead instrument, which Eric Koltnow plays, as well as synths, piano, congas and more. The guitar flows in and out almost as if it were prog-rock. Cale Parks’ drumming reminds me of a tight jazz player in the way that he keeps popping in and out just to remind you that he’s there keeping the rhythm. Matt Gensler plays a very think bass that sounds like it could (it might be) a stand up bass. Singer/guitarist Tony Cavallero’s vocals are a little reminiscent of Michael Stipe’s, but still very much his own. Basically, this album is amazing. Aloha have managed to take the intricacies of prog-rock, but inject emotion into it. They’ve used jazz elements to partially do that. The synths and vibes are right up front without being so blunt as to make the other instruments secondary. Aloha are making music that will still sound original in 10 years. If you’re open to checking out new bands that aren’t strictly emo or hardcore or whatever else, then you need this record. the only problem I have with it is that its 5 songs just aren’t enough.
Polyvinyl Record Co., P.O. Box 1885, Danville, IL 61834-1885; http://www.polyvinylrecords.com
