ALBUM REVIEW: R.O.I. – Aerial Salad
AERIAL SALAD’s second album R.O.I. combines a unique blend of angry punk and catchy indie, delving into both societal and world issues while being exhilarating and raw from start to finish. Set for release on April 12th via the prestigious Venn Records, R.O.I. follows on from a string of singles, as well as the band’s debut album, Dirt Mall, which was released back in 2020.
Since then, the band have seemingly forged a heavier, angrier sound, and this makes sense – being a punk band in the year 2024 should have this as a requirement, but even so, AERIAL SALAD do it so well that it makes them stand out well above the rest.
Kicking off the album strongly, Rottin’ n Shakin’ is the perfect first example of how the band have transformed their sound. It’s recognisably much more punk, with the band’s heavier influences coming into play much more than their previous releases. Jamie Munro’s vocals are stunning. They’re raw and raucous, which is something that compliments the overall intensity of R.O.I.. When paired with the classic, high-speed punky bass from Mike Wimbleton and speedy drums from Jake Marshall, it all comes together superbly.
R.O.I. tackles issues present in the current socio-political landscape of modern-day Britain. Tracks like They All Lied To Me and Big Business serve as anthems of dissatisfaction, rallying against the establishment and ever-present capitalist greed. In a post-Brexit, post-COVID, cost-of-living-crisis-stricken Britain, AERIAL SALAD‘s anti-establishment stance feels especially poignant and relatable.
As The World Eats Itself is another track that faces societal upheaval and world conflicts head-on. It works as a scathing critique of a world consumed by greed and disillusionment, urging listeners to question the status quo and envision a better future. Two major tracks that stand out on the album are Do You Like Flowers Son and Capo2, both of which do a really good job of demonstrating the band’s flawless ability to blend genres.
Flowing straight on from Do You Like Flowers Son, Capo2 is a major departure from the rest of the album’s typical sound. If you combined THE STROKES with GREEN DAY and OASIS, you’d get a sound similar to that of Capo2. It’s beautiful and refreshing, with twinkling guitars combined with Munro’s voice to create a great demonstration of how AERIAL SALAD are way more than riotous punks.
It’s important to note that the production of the album is top-notch. Expertly handled by Dean Glover, the album’s sound has been lightly polished, but it’s done in such a way that doesn’t take away the band’s natural ferocity. It gives the impression that you’ve just caught the band live and are right in the front row of the crowd.
In a society plagued by uncertainty and division, AERIAL SALAD are the band that we need. They’re exactly what punk is all about – authenticity, and not being afraid to stand up for what you believe in. All in all, R.O.I. is a fabulous album. From the band’s fearless approach to mixing activism with music to the further development of their own unique sound, AERIAL SALAD are definitely on to very good things.
Rating: 9/10
R.O.I. is set for release on April 12th via Venn Records.
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