The members of Aberdeen seem to have everything going for them - critical acclaim, a strong fan base, intense energy, and loads of talent. On top of that, their new EP, Bright, shows the band's evolution over the last six months.
With this new release, Aberdeen attempts to establish itself as a progressive band with a fresh perspective on rock. The band's sound falls somewhere between alternative and art rock, but it puts so many elements together that it's difficult to pin down a particular style. The fusion of violins, voice samples, and synthesizers helps create complex music with an irresistible, innovative sound.
The six tracks on Bright clock in at an average of five minutes apiece; Aberdeen's attempt to expand beyond the common three-minute pop songs that rule the airwaves today. Instead of going for catchiness, Aberdeen goes for quality, giving each song time to develop.
The results are often amazing. "Softly," perhaps the most heart-wrenching track on the EP, runs over eight minutes, completely changing directions about halfway through to intensify its sorrowful yearning.
Aberdeen's members all contribute something distinct to Bright. Lead guitarist Ryan Heller exhibits a powerful style, laced with inventive melodies, while bassist Ryan Kelleher has the technical mastery needed to fuel the band's extended numbers. Rob McCaffrey's hard-rocking drums help provide the music's rhythmic backbone without dominating the songs.
The band's newest member, Christopher McLaughlin, brings his sampling/turntable/synthesizer experience into play. Since joining the group last March, his experimental style has added a new depth to Aberdeen's music.
The most immediate stand-out feature of the music is lead singer Brad Parker. Through his incredible vocal strength and range, he makes the listener share in his aching feelings, a vital component in connecting the listener with the music.
"We ourselves were trying to take a third person approach with the record, trying to answer the question, 'What is Aberdeen?'" Heller said from the band's home near Boston College. "Hopefully people can find a common thread in all of the songs."
According to Heller, the band is interested in creating unique new sounds instead of restricting its creativity by conforming to one style. By no means is Bright a culmination of Aberdeen's work; it's more of a leaping-off point.
"This EP shows a lot of possibilities we see for ourselves linked into this recording," he said. Besides self-exploration, the musicians are trying to "create a niche for ourselves artistically, with a strong, independent voice, and to make strong rock music for what it is."
Bright's main weakness is that it can't possibly convey the energy of an Aberdeen performance. While one can definitely hear the passion of the music through Parker's lyrics and voice, the album does not allude to the band's stage presence.
This is why Heller feels it necessary for people to check out Aberdeen's live show; some of the songs seem to take on a whole different life when played onstage. As he put it, "People see how the songs can affect us and bring another kind of level of energy to the music."
The band will hold its CD release party one week from today at the Middle East in Central Square. As Heller says, "We hope this EP and show intrigue people, and they'll come along on the ride with us."
