Customer Reviews

In the Fishtank 14

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

_In the Fishtank_ is an ongoing venture of an independent record company that allows the free exchange of musical ideas between (usually) two bands. Ultimately, the _Fishtank_ delivers exactly what it promises: a veritable fusion of the bands in question to create a sound that in itself is unique, but could also realistically (though far-fetched perhaps) fit in with any of the individual artists' other recordings. The bands involved with this volume of _Fishtank_ are Isis and Aereogramme, two bands that have some overlapping qualities, but aren't exactly the same by any means. This is the first and only _Fishtank_ volume I have heard as of yet, but it is apparently a great success on more than one level.

"Low Tide" starts with a tender, echoing melody that sprouts like an elaborately blooming plant. The reverberating music seems to lean more towards the style of Isis, but the singer of Aereogramme handles the vocals. My first impression was that the vocals sounded a bit like Maynard James Keenan's quivering falsetto. Just a bit. Well maybe a bit more than a bit. Either way, they sounded good. The track builds up with a pulsing bass line and industrial rhythm then calmly dissipates into the vast void of the sea. "Delial" gets off to a heavier start, and the hollow vocals of Isis' Turner become shrouded in a driving rhythm that evolves into an abrasive screech. The third track, "Stolen" is more relaxed, with an extremely peaceful orchestration forming the bulk of the song, which trails off into an ambient mix of synths and natural sound effects.

The _Fishtank_ concept is a good idea, and it provides a bridge of discovery for fans of both bands involved. For having only two days to produce the songs, I'd say both bands did a great job. I would also say that both fanbases will enjoy this, and for the price, it is another good impulse buy if you're looking for something new. Actually, I recommend getting all three albums in the Isis/Aereogramme trilogy that I have reviewed, along with _In the Absense of Truth_ and _Seclusion_, and listening to them in succession with the _Fishtank_ in their midst. All else aside, this volume has prompted me to seek out the others.

Im a huge fan of aereogramme.

A semi-fan of isis(they are great when they want to be it seems)

but this ep is overpriced and not that great.

def. check out aereogramme though b/c they are an amazing group that sadly are no longer...

This record split with Aereogramme is amazing. It has a very relaxed and mellow sound to it. Full of beautiful soundscapes and textures along with hypnotic bass-lines and enchanting melodies.

I'd recommend buying this used, because the price is slightly steep for only three songs. However, for fans of ISIS (Not too sure about much of Aereogramme's material) this is a must have. "Low Tide" alone is worth the price of admission. Classic ISIS stylings. "Stolen" and "Delial" aren't bad either. Take a swim, it's exhilarating in here. Just ask Clark Griswold.

I like Isis but never heard of Aereogramme. I must say the combination works great. I listen to theis cd a lot. It's not heavy like Isis but more like Red sparrowes only better.

Being a fan of Isis, when I heard of this album I had to check it out. And I am so glad that I did, this album is so beautiful and dreamy, tending to calm the emotions after a long hard days work. Feels as though your in the ocean and the music is the light gleaming from above causing the refections on the ocean floor, like a dance. Perfect album to "fly" away with. Delicate and resplendent.

Unbelievable. An entire album needs to be produced immediately! 'Nuff said.

I'd never heard of Aereogramme when I got this album, but they really improved on what I believe to be Isis's single weakness. One of my pet peeves in heavier music has always been the "metal grawlp" voice. I love the music behind Isis, but whenever that snarling voice comes in and starts ruining the music, I'm apt to simply change albums - especially if I'm listening to music while I'm programming. It seems unnatural to have complicated, mature musical progressions punctuated with senseless, adolescent screams. This album removes that single wart from Isis and the result is an excellent album/ep. Hardcore Isis fans may be disappointed with what is essentially a progressive rock ambient album in the tradition of Red Sparowes.

This album will appeal to those Isis fans who enjoy Explosions in the Sky, Godspeed You Black Emperor, Red Sparowes, and perhaps even Cult of Luna (less the aforementioned metal grawlp voice).

Those who enjoy the snarling, frenetic sections of Isis tracks, Jesu, Godflesh, and heavier drone bands such as Boris and Sunn-O)) might look elsewhere.

and one pretty good one. The third and final song is too sparce for me. The album is worth it for the first song alone though. A real epic and truly a meshing of both artists best points. Wonderful!

This album is short and sort of boring. I am an ISIS fan and had never heard of Aereogramme. It is worth a listen, but not very many. Some may call ISIS boring for their oscillating, repetitive music, but this album lacks ISIS' signature way of making that sort of thing interesting.