Isaacs Aircraft album ‘Two is a Crowd’ released 4th July on Crash Records
aaamusic | On 14, May 2011
Isaac’s Aircraft are a band from Cambridge that enjoys confounding expectations, both musically and personally. As multi
instrumentalists, their style adapts and changes as they develop their sound and with classically trained pianist Martin,
the band use the piano as the backdrop to the rest of their sound. And in many ways, this mix
of individuals and influences that make up the band should not work, but it is from this rare combination that they draw their strength
and inspiration, having already racked up a top 30 indie single, a top 10 US internet college radio hit and are currently top of the indie
rock poll for this years peoples music awards – www.thepeoplesmusicawards.com .
This, their debut and full acoustic album, was recorded after the band realised that they would not be able personally raise the twenty
thousand pounds needed to record their first electric album, while recognising that they really wanted to get an album out which
show cased their talent.
After spending three weeks revising and rethinking their electric live set acoustically, the album was then recorded in
their home rehearsal space over two days – day one being spent setting up all the recording gear, borrowed from everyone and anyone,
and day two recording the album from eleven in the morning until eleven at night.
As all the tracks were recorded in no more than two attempts, the album has a raw quality which is a perfect indicator of
the bands musicianship and their understanding of how to write good songs.
By simply being themselves and not trying to act out a manufactured image or fit a specific niche, Isaac’s Aircraft have built a
strong relationship with a broad fanbase, leading to support slots in the UK and Europe with acts as diverse as The Zutons, The Like,
and Amy Winehouse, who also made a surprise visit at the bands last gig at the Hawley Arms to see the band perform. Having
had airplay not just on indie and mainstream stations but also specialist outlets such as Kerrang, Isaac’s Aircraft can rightly
claim to be able to impress throughout.
In the studio Isaac’s Aircraft have sought to work with people who can bring something different to the music, whether it is
unfettered indie producers such as Phil Watts, Paul Tipler (Stereolab, Idlewild, The Pipettes, Elastica) and Gavin Monaghan (The Editors, The Twang, Broadcast) or the multiple Grammy-nominated classical expertise of Adrian Carr.
‘Bucking the trend with storming live shows and records’
Tom Robinson, BBC6 Music
‘Top tunes from these top tipped chaps.’
Gill Mills, NME Radio
‘Everyone’s New Year’s resolution should be to eat, drink and sleep with Isaac’s Aircraft!’
Jez Sallis, BBC Radio Cambridgeshire Introducing
“They have a very unique, delicate soul to them.”
New Reviews
A slot at this year’s Camden Crawl signals a big year ahead for a band that has resolutely stuck to an open-minded and inclusive approach
to their music. Self-taught guitarist Calum and classically-trained pianist Martin provide a beautiful melodic blend between maverick and maestro, while indie kid Ant ties it all together with an expressive yet robust drumming style.
Over this you have the pop sensibilities of frontman and rhythm guitarist Zak, who sees no problem in combining catchy songs with contemplative lyrics on subjects as diverse as conceit, cross-dressing and a conniving coalition government.
And while they have taken the unusual step of recording their first full-length album as a reflective
acoustic take on some of their existing songs (with a full electric album of new songs due in the autumn), their live gigs are a very
upbeat affair where the audience are as much a part of the performance as the band.
Live dates:
15th May @ Proud Galleries – The Horse Hospital, Chalk Farm Road, Camden NW1 8AH
7th June @ The Live Room, 236 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, London N13 5UD
18th June @ The Peoples Music Awards, Scala, 275 Pentonville Road, London N1 9NL
4th July @ The Junction 2, Clifton Way, Cambridge CB1 7GX ALBUM LAUNCH GIG
2nd August @ The Live Room, 236 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, London N13 5UD
26th / 27th August @ AEON Festival, Exeter, Devon EX17 1DG
