Air Formation - Nothing to Wish For (Nothing to Lose)

by Anthony Strutt

published: 30 / 5 / 2010

Air Formation - Nothing to Wish For (Nothing to Lose)

Label: Club AC30
Format: CD

intro

Superb fourth album from Brighton-based shoegazing/post rock group, Air Formation

Air Formation have come a long way since they played a Pennyblackmusic Bands Night at the time of their first album, 'Ends In Light', in 2003. 'Nothing to Wish For (Nothing to Lose)' is the Brighton-based band's fourth and latest album and to me by far their best record to date. It opens with 'Three Years Pass' which runs just under six minutes. It is heartwarming from its first notes until its last, sounding instantly fresh and new while also familiar at the same time, and it takes us on our first journey here in grace and style. 'Stars and Knives' has a bigger sound from Air Formation than they have ever created before. A foot tapper from the start, it is much chunkier,meatier and more fleshed out, still having the band's lovely Slowdive-like harmonies but also a much darker appeal. 'Low December Sun' was released on blue vinyl as a single. It is more jangly in sound and sounds a bit commercial than Air Formation's usual music, but has more weight behind it than the whole of the current pop music scene put together. It pushes their sound forever forward. 'Alone at Last' again hits the near six minute mark and, moody and magnificent, has a long and slow introduction and sounds very much in the vein of the Cure at the height of their powers. 'Don't Wait 'Til Dawn' again recalls the Cure with its lush vocal from Matt Bartram, 'Fascination Street'-bass from Ben Pierce and guitars from Bartram and Ian Sheridan that shimmer over the top. 'Meltdown' is more thrashy with a strong Ride-like flow to it, while Matt's vocals drip like honey all over it. 'Until Today' is another Cure-influenced number, well paced and a song to dream along to. 'Like I Hold You' is very loud, pulling you in and forcing you to listen to it and making you spin in pure happiness. 'Cut Through the Night' is a song to sway along to, firmly paced, not too heavy and very effective. 'Outro' is like a doomy Ride with it chunky bass, while its guitars are very lonesome. 'Distant Silhouettes' is awash with loud guitars and Ride-like harmonies. Air Formation are a band to completely lose yourself in and this is perfect.

Track Listing:-

1 Three Years Pass
2 Stars & Knives
3 Low December Sun
4 Alone At Last
5 Don't Wait 'til Dawn
6 Meltdown
7 Until Today
8 Like I Hold You
9 Cut Through the Night
10 Outro
11 Distant Silhouettes

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/AIR-FORMATION-55952844920
http://www.airformation.com/
https://twitter.com/airformation

Label Links:-

http://store.clubac30.com/
https://www.facebook.com/clubac30
https://twitter.com/clubac30

interviews

Interview (2003)

Brighton space rock band Air Formation have recently released their stunning full-length debut album, "Ends in Light'. Olga Sladeckova speaks to frontman Matt Bartram about it, and the group's plans for the future