The Aviators

Just as you think new music is becoming boring and monotonous, a local band changes your mind entirely. With their latest release of infectious alternative rock, The Aviators are that band. ’What Do You Want from Me?’ is the name of their new single, and it shows nothing but promise of something spectacular. After supporting the likes of Tom Hingley, The Detours and the Rainband the quartet have only grown in strength. They sold out the Classic Grand with the release of their first EP, the self-released ‘Everything’s Better Dirty’ and have hinted at the possibility of an album this year.



If ‘What Do You Want from Me?’ is anything to go by, the impending album from the Glaswegians should prove to be marvelous. Not only does the single offer a catchy, boisterous A-side, but it also presents a B-side that would pass as an A-side by any band’s standards. ’Beatrice’ is fueled by an energy and charisma, capable of bringing any crowd off their feet. It’s contagious and compels the listener to move around, it’s impossible to listen to both songs on the single without dancing in some way, shape or form. They’re beautifully written and contain a certain aura that only tends to appear in bands that sell out arenas. Something exciting is happening here.



There really is something special with The Aviators, and with a vibrant music scene surrounding them, they are undoubtedly one the greatest bands on the Glasgow/East Kilbride scene. We await the album. - Worldpleasure

Heading into 69 Below, I was struck with a revelation: this was the elusive venue where we ended up at the finale of my stag night. With a sense of foreboding, I descended the stairs and was instantly relieved to discover that it was unrecognisable from that fateful night.

On the bill were five bands and a DJ set by the Coral. I confess, though, that I was only really there for one act: The Aviators.

I first saw the Aviators two years or so ago in the late, lamented Bay in Glasgow. I was struck then by the group’s charm and potential, to say nothing of their precocious talent. Two years on, the East Kilbride four-piece have lost nothing of their charm, and their talent has increased exponentially.

To say that their set was stunning is to do the boys a disservice. Their eight song set of self-penned material was thirty minutes of near perfection. Their set opened with the explosive 'Beatrice' which segued flawlessly into 'Dangerous Game'. Both tracks are upbeat rockers, benefiting from the group’s superb rhythm section of Ewen Cameron (bass) and Steven O’Neill (drums). Vocalist Darren Hutton snarls like a caged Jim Morrison.

I was particularly impressed by the band’s third song of the evening, 'Tell Me'. With a 'We Will Rock You' backbeat, the song pulses and throbs petulantly, while sometime vocalist Bradley sings like a man possessed, freeing up frontman Darren to interact playfully with Steven on the drums. Seeing these boys play, it’s clear that they are having a blast.

The boys debuted their soon to be released first single, 'What Do You Want From Me?' to an ecstatic and enthusiastic crowd. Fusing the best of U2 and a hint of Kings of Leon, it’s a superbly catchy and energetic slice of power pop, surely destined for success.

The boys finished with 'Mr Moonshine', another highlight of a highlight-filled set. Listening to Darren’s vocals, I was reminded of Lennon’s voice-shredding rendition of 'Twist and Shout'. It’s little wonder that they saved this track till last – the average person wouldn’t speak for a week after delivering Hutton’s gutsy vocal, let alone sing.

The Aviators have grown up since I first saw them, but they have lost none of their boyish charm and charisma. Their material and playing has been honed and refined to the point where they are now ready to make the step up to the next level. As exciting young bands go, the Aviators are the best I’ve seen in a long time, and I feel privileged to have seen them before their inevitable career trajectory hurtles them into the big time. - Andrew Cassidy