Aereogramme
Sleep And Release

Glasgow. Late '90s.
5 guys emerge from the Scottish underground venues with a band that harks back to the modern hard-rock tradition: Smashing Pumpkins and Muse above all, but, a conditio sine qua non for considering it a great band, they offer much of their own.

"Sleep And Release" was released in 2003 and quickly became a cult album on the European indie scene.
The ten songs on this album, which impresses right from the cover, form a truly impactful record. The impression is that nothing is left to chance: slow and heavy songs alternate with impeccable precision so that upon hearing one song, you'll already imagine the next one. Let this not be misunderstood: there's little or nothing predictable and boring in this work.

An album with very few flaws (see under: a few too many screamings from a metal band with a breathless voice) and very enjoyable. The standout tracks are "Black Path," reminiscent of "Tonight" from Billy Corgan's former cheerful company, and "Wood" with a great bass groove.

What is striking is the incredible technical craftsmanship of these musicians: bass and drums are magnificent, and the addition of a string section makes the sound very compact and refined.
A band that many will probably continue not to hear about due to their choice to remain as anonymous as possible, but, ladies and gentlemen, this is an album that deserves it. One of the best of 2003.