Aisles

Thank you my loyal followers for coming back this week, and to those joining me here in the Closet Concert Arena for the first time; welcome!  Those extra seven days enabled me to take the search for all things prog to the outer limits of the prog garden and (perhaps) move the ground spikes a bit farther in all directions. Despite having found much new growth, revisited old friends, met some standard bearers, and moved out of my comfort zone, I find there is still much exploring to do.

So this week the Concert Closet ventured into the fusion/eclectic section of the garden and unearthed a band whose sound, while originating in Chile, has been making waves all across the globe. Seeming at first to be a big fish in a small pond--and knowing I can never simply stroll past that which has peaked my curiosity--I stop for a serious listen-in with Aisles.

Aisles is a band that lists among its goals to be a "...constantly evolving vehicle of expression..." That statement alone was enough to lure me in, but they continue; "Allowing creativity to prevail above all else fuels the band's desire to create."  So Aisles creates in order to be creative, and creating is what pushes them to be creative...hmmm...time to sit under the headphones awhile and ponder that...

Looking for something from the band's earlier days, I start the buffet at the beginning; "The Wharf That Holds His Vessel" from Aisles' 2005 debut "The Yearning."  A very strong instrumental lead-in to a tune with top notes of Weather Report and aromatics of  Mahavishnu Orchestra.  Aisles fills the canvas with bright colors while allowing gray hues to give a striking contrast.  This piece bursts open methodically and deliberately as each musician places his mark on what is an expression of emotion. The vocals lead you into a labyrinth of sound that goes deeper into itself...keyboards winding down a spiral to crash subtly into percussion that envelopes the guitars. Just let it overtake your auditory senses for awhile...relax...

Moving farther along the timeline and searching for more of that depth, I discover "Revolution of Light" from their 2009 release, "In Sudden Walks."  The guitar work is extremely crisp; there are aromatics of Steely Dan and Marillion wafting through the air.  Strong vocals walk across the drums, which are just enough to keep everyone in line.  This song flows through the headphones like siphoned crude...moving fast and going everywhere.  The sounds are dazzling as the canvas is hit with bright colors and sweeping hues, all intended to empty the mind of peripheral junk that alters thought patterns...focus on the light...

Liner Notes...although Aisles claims the world as their home, Santiago, Chile is their point of origin. The members of the band are brothers Sebastian Vergara on lead vocals and German Vergara on vocals, guitars, and keyboards.  They are joined by Rodrigo Sepulveda on guitar and vocals, Daniel Baird-Kerr on bass, Juan Pablo Gaete on keyboards, and Felipe Candia on drums and percussion.

Aisles has released four albums over a twelve year span, their most recent endeavor being the double album concept project called "Hawaii."  The band wanders through many sections of the prog garden but has strong roots in the neo-prog section and draws on the ornate, orchestral sounds deep within the classic acreage.  Aisles has developed a unique melange of jazz fusion, prog, a touch of metal, and some orchestral overtones; this "prog brew" has allowed them to pour forth a sound that is as distinctive as it is fresh and powerful.  Aisles brings an energy to the prog garden that is stimulating in its own right.

 

                                      

Serving number three to satisfy the prog appetite is "Hero," taken from their 2013 release "4:45 AM."  A different  mood on this cut; a dark and somber intro leads you through a turnstile as you board a train travelling the cosmos...sound pierces you with a gentle bluntness as it continues to spiral downward.  You aren't sure where this piece bottoms out, but curiosity and a sense of intrigue outweigh any trepidation you might feel.  Aisles burrows deep into your epidermis, hitting nerve and bone.  The sting you feel is short-lived as a soothing balm flows through your veins and you are drawn moth-like toward a dark light...

Learn more abut Aisles at their website Aisles Project.  Their music can be purchased here, on Amazon, and on iTunes; there is a link on the homepage to direct you to your preferred option. Aisles also has a Facebook page Aisles FB, Bandcamp site Aisles BC, and a Twitter @Aislesproject. Indulge your desire for something fresh and new and allow the music to wrap itself around you...

The cut below is taken from the earlier mentioned "Hawaii."  The double album was released in 2016; a concept album dealing with the colonization of a post-apocalyptic earth.  The drum work is entwined so seamlessly with the guitar you almost visualize Felipe and Rodrigo sharing one mind and heart as they build a foundation from which vocals leap and you are taken on an ominous drone ride, viewing mankind's destruction and its aftermath...

                                         

Once again fellow progheads, The Closet Concert Arena has brought forth a gem from the prog garden that expands what you perceive the garden to be about.  Aisles has made great strides across the width and breadth of all the acreage here within and even taken a few steps over the garden boundary markers.  With all that has happened in the prog garden recently, it is uplifting to know that the "circle of prog life" continues to develop.  The search for all things prog will continue on as long as there is new music to be discovered, more bands producing great sounds, and an evolving image of what prog is.  On we go...until next week...