Released on the bands own label, Presagio Records, "4:45 AM" is the third release from Aisles, a melodic neo progressive band from Santiago, Chile. The musical aim of the band is to reach their own sound by forming an identity which makes it unmistakably unique to anyone's ear, and a spirit in which prevails above all, the desire to create.
Lineup:
- Guitars, Vocals and Keyboards: Germán Vergara
- Drums and Percussion: Felipe Candia
- Guitars and Vocals: Rodrigo Sepúlveda
- Lead vocals: Sebastian Vergara
- Keyboards: Alejandro Meléndez
- Bass: Daniel Baird-Kerr
While having a fairly original sound, you can hear some of the bands influences throughout the 55 minute journey. The album starts off with the title track which evokes later Rush and Spock's Beard.
Track two "Gallarda Yarura" is the first of four instrumental pieces on the album and is a nice guitar driven folky prog tune. Next up is "Shallow and Daft" which is a throwback to 80's synth pop bands like Duran Duran. To me this track seems a bit out of place in style compared to the rest of the album.
"Back my Strength" is a melodic ballad that brings to mind bands like Saga and features a nice guitar solo. "The Sacrifice" is a slow, pleadingly romantic song, featuring some lovely folky acoustic guitar and emphasis on
vocal harmonies.
After the short instrumental track "The Ship", The second half of the album takes a bit of a turn from less accessible pop prog to more electronic based longer tracks. "Intermission" is the third instrumental track on the
album and sort of has a space rock vibe to it. "Sorrow" showcases some beautiful Spanish-tinged acoustic guitar and emotional vocals and vocal harmonies. An added female voice in the background adds uniqueness to this track.
The fourth and final instrumental track "Hero" brings to mind Porcupine Tree or later Pink Floyd with its spacey keyboards and Gilmour like melodic guitar playing. Closing out the album is the longest track "Melancholia" which is a fitting name with it's emphasis on melancholic vocals and dramatic guitar sounds.
"4:45 AM" is recommended to fans of Saga, Rush, Spock's Beard, Porcupine Tree, Riverside or just fans of good melodic neo prog with a poppier edge.
Reviewed by John Longo on October 15th, 2014
