Isaac's Aircraft
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Isaac's Aircraft

Cambridge, England, United Kingdom | INDIE

Cambridge, England, United Kingdom | INDIE
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"Friends & Foes"

There just aint enough of this kinda thing out there!! Well, I suppose in one way that favours Isaac's Aircraft cuz their sound is rewardingly different.
Piano rock is what I'm talking about. Yes, piano driven rockin' pop; gutsy, dynamic, distinct!
Quite why more bands don't go in for it I don't know; when I hear something like Isaac's Aircraft I'm almost always totally hooked from the opening bars. I don't know what it is about the sound of a well struck piano that instantly makes me stop and listen; is it cuz it is unusual, is it cuz it's such a vibrant sound, is it cuz I just like piano?? I'm not sure but it sure works for me and there must be millions like me who go in for this kinda thing. Anyway, Isaac's Aircraft make a wonderful noise; they vie piano with scorchin' guitars in a way that's instantly appealing and massively effective and this great EP is loaded to overflowin' with fantastic pop-rock noise and catchy hooks.
Ok, I hear you say, Keane do this don't they? No!! Keane use piano 'sound' in a much more wishy-washy way, orchestrated into the background, making up the sound rather than causing it. Here, Isaac's Aircraft use the piano like Rachmaninov playing rock'n'roll, if you can imagine that! Anyway, take it from me, Isaac's Aircraft make a joyous sound! But, it aint just about keyboard!! Oh no, Isaac's Aircraft is also about guitar, bass drums, voice, songs, dynamics, presence and much more - Isaac's Aircraft have it all covered, they're almost too good to be true!
'Friends & Foes' is a stupendous three track EP that showcases this brilliant sounding outfit quite beautifully. The only disappointment is that there are only three songs - I need more - give me more guys!! To say that Isaac's Aircraft are dynamic would be an understatement; this is massively impressive stuff that I could listen to all day long. Quite obviously these guys are fantastic musicians that also know about and understand musical composition cuz this is amazing'! This is ballsy, punchy, kick-ass pop-rock of the highest calibre from a four-piece that sound absolutely brilliant.
And, you don't have to wait while 'Friends & Foes' comes to you - this is instant, this is full-on, in-yer-face brilliance. And again, these guys are still relatively young, they just shouldn't be able to play or write stuff this good - it's awesome!! Certainly one of the most impressive bands I've heard recently, Isaac's Aircraft must surely be looking straight into the dirty teeth of commercial success - whether that comes in the form of 'chart' success or cult fanaticism I'm not sure but these young guys are fuckin' shit hot and 'Friends & Foes' is absolutely sensational!!
- Toxic Pete


"the next band coming through your T.V set"

The band name. The song title. The myspace genre's section. Everything about this band screams "indie!!!", a genre which I very much dislike. My hopes were low from the off. However Isaac's Aircraft manage to get round this obstacle by doing the best thing possible - writing a decent song.
"Friends and Foes" begins with a cool piano riff and brings to mind "Prologue to History" by the Manic Street Preachers almost immediately. Zak's vocal's however, distance the two again, allowing "Friends and Foes" to become a song in its own right. The music is upbeat, likeable and has the ability to captivate many people's interest across the country. The vocals are simple and, should this become a hit, everybody will be singing it. This song has managed to do the almost impossible task of creating a mainstream sound, but still being different from a lot of songs out
there. The main difference - as I've already mentioned - is that "Friends and Foes" is actually a good song, there isn't a weak link to be found. Then, just over two minutes into, we reach the guitar solo (something that has been lost from new music a lot these days) and while it isn't fantastic, the fuzzy tone brings an edgier, rockier element that's been missing from most indie music of today. It's something new, it's something interesting, and it's possibly the best bit to this song.
With more songs of this caliber, Isaac's Aircraft will go far. That is clear to see, but they will generate interest in more people than just the traditional "scene kids" through the inclusion of funky pianos and a guitar solo. This band is on the rise, and doesn't seem to want to slow down with a hectic touring schedule ahead of them, and a record label behind them...it won't be long before they are the next band coming through your T.V set - they've already appeared on BBC6 Music. Isaac's Aircraft myspace states that they will appeal to "Indie-rock and non Indie-rock fans alike" and after hearing "Friends and Foes" I couldn't agree with the statement more. - http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/isaacs-aircraft-band-review-931147.html


"Cambridge quartet release impressive three track EP"

How often do you see British bands interlacing piano and guitar lines as their main instruments so effectively? The answer is not very often, but Cambridge quartet Isaac's Aircraft have crafted this to a fine art.

The band, only recently becoming a four piece, have created a short EP that does no more than tease you with their potential, and it's there by the bucketload, integrated somewhere amongst the beautiful piano keys that weave around the guitars and catchy vocals. The EP's title track is carried by the elegantly flowing piano keys and as mentioned before, the vocal used with the music strikes the perfect chord. With a powerful guitar solo oozing with a rock n roll vibe, the song ends great and carries on to 'Nothing To Relate', a track which allows the guitar players to flex their muscle that bit more. It flows almost seamlessly with the songs before and after, and with a guitar line that somewhat reminds me of a great Santana song, it kept me smiling from start to finish. 'Big Mammoth', whilst being the most disappointing song of the three, still shows the bands potential. Having a more melodic tone, I think their approach could have been a bit better. Once the song hits its heavier side, you find it hard not to compare it to the rest of the EP and it doesn't hit the same level of satisfaction. The melody at the start, if carried on, could have been crafted into a great track, showing other sides to Isaac Aircraft's abilities.

All in all, it's a great EP, and I recommend this to anyone who loves the sound of piano in their Indie music.
- Daily Discord


"A thoroughly enjoyable release that fans of piano-infused pop/rock will savour."

Run for the hills people, this isn't a metal review. For those of a non-blinkered disposition, please read on. 'Isaac's Aircraft' are a self-proclaimed Alternative/Indie/Rock band from Cambridge. It would be easy to focus on some current acts plying a similar trade, but that wouldn't do these young fellas justice. There is a distinctly early-90s vibe to this release. In fact, the one band that sprang to mind when listening to this, at least musically, was the much-missed Blameless. With only three songs on offer, it's obvious to say that the quality-bar is quite high. However, there is enough variety on offer too. 'Big Mammoth' is simply a stunning ballad-esque tune, with some delightful piano/guitar interplay, before upping the tempo and becoming a Keane-beater (which, admittedly, isn't difficult). For some reason vocalist Zak made me recall Mike Patton on this song at first; repeated listens couldn't quite make me figure out why though - his accent is distinctly English after all. No matter, this is a thoroughly enjoyable release that fans of piano-infused pop/rock will savour. - http://www.metaldiscovery.com/CD/cd_review_isaacsaircraft_friendsfoes.htm


"bright and friendly songs with a positive outcome."

Have you ever listened to a track, really enjoyed it, found it quite catchy but can never really put a finger on what it is that makes such a tune so incredibly enjoyable. This is the case I had with the latest record to come from Isaac’s Aircraft.??‘Friends and Foes’ is a three track piano friendly Ep. I am fairly certain that it is the talent of the pianist that make each of the three tracks so amazing. Well that and their melodic melodies. The CD begins with the gracious melodies of the title track, which kicks up with guitar and keeps a steady pace. We then move to the simplicity of ‘Nothing to Relate’. This song has a very attractive chorus, lyrically, vocally and musically. We then conclude the record with the more composed ‘Big Mammoth’, which is glued together by some rock and roll indie vibes.??Isaac’s Aircraft have a knack for creating chic and elegant piano tunes and this is more than proven on this record; bright and friendly songs with a positive outcome. - http://www.roomthirteen.com/cd_reviews/9809/Isaacs_Aircraft__Friends_And.html


"Head to the Feet"

Coldplay, Keane and The Fray are probably the bands that most people will associate with the combination of piano and guitar music.
Ever since those words about “saving lives,” “being bedshaped,” or “skin and bones” were uttered into the charts, it’s not suprising that these would be the acts most seen as combining the two instruments. However, Isaac’s Aircraft sound nothing like these bands.
Opening track “Head to the Feet’ starts with a sort of dance style piano hook backed by an offbeat ska guitar. The powerful energetic chorus echoes the style of the now defunct Milburn.
Second track ‘Friends of Foes’ is an edgy charming and passionate song. The lyrics reflect the style with the lyrics being “I can feel the gun beneath my neck and I can feel the heat on my head.” The chorus again, is an energetic and powerful one before breaking back into the hook heard at the start. The song finishes off with a guitar solo that is fast but not overdone.

Alex Yau - http://www.audioscribbler.co.uk/reviews/17313


"Isaac’s Aircraft are tipped for greatness. Catch them while you can still afford a ticket."

Hailing from Cambridge, the piano-led foursome have been receiving praise from radio stations all over the world, especially in America where they reached the top five of USA Internet based radio station, Songvault. Sounding more like The Strokes than other piano bands like Keane or Coldplay, new album Mathematics signals an edgier, spikier sound than their previous releases. Recorded in April with Gavin Monaghan (who has recorded with the likes of The Editors, Scott Mathews and Robert Plant), the title track showcases their distinctive, genre-hopping sound.

Their first single ‘Friends & Foes’ reached no.30 in the national Indie Charts and received rave reviews from Tom Robinson on BBC6 Music Introducing and local media, as well as airplay on Kerrang and Internet Radio Stations all over the UK and the US. Expect ‘Mathematics’ to do even better.

Frantic and fun, catch ‘Mathematics’ here (the track won’t be released until next year, so enjoy the exclusive!): - never enough notes


Discography

Mathematics (Crash Records, 2011)
Two is a Crowd (Crash Records, 2011)
Head to the Feet (Crash Records, 2010)
Friends and Foes (Crash Records, April 2009)
Holding up the Line (2007)

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Bio

By simply being themselves and not trying to act out a manufactured image or fit a specific niche Isaac’s Aircraft have built a strong relationship with a broad fanbase, leading to support slots in the UK and Europe with acts as diverse as Ed Sheeran, The Zutons, Amy Winehouse, and The Like. Airplay has straddled both mainstream and indie stations as well as specialist outlets such as Kerrang and BFBS. In the studio they’ve sought to work with people who bring something different to the table, whether it’s unfettered indie producers such as Paul Tipler (Stereolab, Idlewild, The Pipettes, Elastica) and Gavin Monaghan (The Editors, The Twang, Broadcast) or the multiple Grammy-nominated classical expertise of Adrian Carr.

Isaac’s Aircraft are a band from Cambridge that enjoys confounding expectations, both musically and personally. In many ways the mix of individuals and influences that make up the band shouldn’t work, but that’s exactly where they draw their strength and inspiration, having already racked up a top 30 indie single and a top 10 US internet college radio hit. ‘Pigeonholes are fine if you’re a pigeon’ muses keyboard player Martin, ‘though I suspect that even some pigeons might yearn for more!’

Having been awarded the title of ‘Best Indie band’ at the The People’s Music Awards and after a livewire appearance at this year’s Camden Crawl there’s clearly big things ahead for a band that has resolutely stuck to an open-minded and inclusive approach to their music. Self-taught guitarist Calum and classically-trained pianist Martin provide a beautiful melodic blend between maverick and maestro, whilst drummer Adam delivers a strong and expressive background to all the band does. Over this you have the pop sensibilities of frontman and rhythm guitarist Zak, who sees no problem in combining catchy songs with contemplative lyrics on subjects as diverse as conceit, cross-dressing and a conniving coalition government. ‘I think that when music works best it’s often a bit of a ‘holy trinity’’ he smiles, ‘head, heart and feet all getting a bit of a workout!’ Indeed while they’ve taken the unusual step of recording their first full-length album as a reflective live acoustic take on some of their existing songs (with a full electric album of new songs due in 2012), their live shows are very upbeat affairs where the audience are very much included in the performance.

This openness is at the heart of the band’s outlook on life as well as music. ‘We could never be considered a blueprint for the stereotype of a successful band’ explains Zak. ‘Martin is a German who studied to become part of the Anglican church, decided he wasn’t that convinced as to the existence of God, and nearly got thrown out for standing up to homophobic attitudes to be found there, which meant a lot to me as a young guy coming to terms with being gay. It’s not your usual route into rock and roll! We all draw positively on our pronounced differences as people - with Calum as wild as they come in the sense of being a real nature boy, never happier (other than onstage!) than in the peace and quiet of the countryside’.

‘If indie music is about one thing for me’, explains Zak, ‘it’s about trying to provide something special where people can connect and lose themselves in the moment, even if in other areas of their lives they don’t feel they fit in.’ Adam agrees: ‘There’s that many layers to what we do that hopefully people can find something that speaks to them or surprises them. Sometimes people aspire to being cool in a way that’s quite snobbish, whereas we want people of all backgrounds to be able to enjoy what we do, whether that’s considered cool or not!’

Isaac’s Aircraft – this band does not contain pigeons….