Airship - Stuck in This Ocean

by Dixie Ernill

published: 10 / 9 / 2011

Label: Play It Again Sam
Format: CD

Fantastic indie rock on slow-burning and atmospheric debut album from Manchester-based band, Airship

Review

Airship have been knocking about the Manchester scene for about three years now, but developing their sound at a gradual pace has certainly enabled them to release a debut album of clearly unrushed quality. Opening track 'Algebra' was doing the rounds a while back, and shows a band unafraid to go for a bold sound that puts them on a par with Manchester veterans Puresssence’s finest moments. 'Invertebrate' on the other hand pitches the band on the same page as Americans Young The Giant, and could easily be a half-brother to their 'My Body' track. Single 'Kids' is another fine number and the kind of song that sounds great on the radio, blaring out from a car stereo. Elliot Williams’ vocals are not too dissimilar to Turin Brakes and come to the fore on the slow burning 'The Trial of Mr Riddle' and 'Origin' that form a stunning centre-piece to the album. In truth it is hard to find a weak point in the eleven songs included here, with Marcus Wheeldon’s excellent guitar work underpinning everything with an effortless beauty that belies the fact that this band are barely 21 years old. The rhythm section of Steve Griffiths on drums and bass player Tom Dyball aren’t bad either. 'This Is Hell' and the title track bring up the rear superbly with subtle textured layers of sound that draw the listener in time and again. If rumours are true that Puressence are ready to call it a day after the their patchy last LP, then not only are Airship more than capable of filling the void, but on the strength of this record they can push on further.

Track Listing:-

1 Algebra
2 Invertebrate
3 Kids
4 Gold Watches
5 Spirit Party
6 The Trial Of Mr Riddle
7 Organ
8 Test
9 Vampires
10 This Is Hell
11 Stuck In This Ocean