Last Match

Aislers Set | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 20, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Slumberland Records
• ASIN: B00004TDNU
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #253,960 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The Aislers Set are caught in a pop trap of either great inspiration or cloying pretension. It's up to a listener to determine which. One thing that's certain is that the band isn't the sum of their influences. The Aislers Set frequently take a Pet Sounds detour courtesy of a path lit by His Name is Alive's Stars on ESP. "The Way to Market Station" might as well be His Name is Alive's "The Bees" with new lyrics. "The Red Door" sounds like an extract from My Bloody Valentine's Isn't Anything. "Lonely Side of Town" is a departure into the pristine pop realm mastered by the Delgados, until the track takes a psychedelic turn. The band's sound takes on the haunted air of Broadcast throughout the album. They might be considered lo-fi cousins to that band. Other songs, particularly the sweet "Chicago New York," suggest the folk-pop of Belle and Sebastian. While The Last Match is charming in small doses, the breathy female vocals do take their toll over the course of the album; it's a minor relief when Wyatt Cusick takes over vocal duties on a number of tracks. Charm and catchiness can only take an album so far; cohesion is vital for great songs to total a great album. The album suffers due to the band's style browsing. It's a problem the band shares with Belle and Sebastian, as too many songwriters spoil the overall album. Like Belle and Sebastian, the Aislers Set are better at creating individual songs than entire albums. Still, fans of energetic neo-psychedelia will find worlds of pleasure, as the album is insanely catchy in spurts. The Aislers Set suggest on The Last Match that there's a great album lurking just beyond their influences and retro desires. ~ Tim DiGravina, All Music Guide

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm addicted, March 22, 2001

By 

Bradley Nelson (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Last Match (Audio CD)

Alright kids, I have a confession to make. I'm addicted to The Aislers Set's Last Match. I simply cannot stop listening to it, and i first bought it about 7 months ago. If you have even half an ear for melody, you'll fall in love with this flawless record. Trust me.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great!, May 29, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Last Match (Audio CD)

Excellent songwriting, production values, and musicianship. I have to say that the drumming really stands out. Yoshi Nakamoto just bangs the drum like no other. Even though his work has been consistent throughout his career (Drunk With Buddah, Nuckle Brothers, Scenic Vermont, Poastal), this has been his biggest achievement. Yoshi forever.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Broken Record, October 18, 2000

By 

"showdates" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Last Match (Audio CD)

Without having to sound like a broken record, this is just a terrific album. From start to finish, this is a wonderful release by the talented San Francisco indie-pop group. Songs like "The Way to the Market Station," "Last Match," and "The Walk" are chock full of melodies that seem to have come from somewhere you've been before but can't quite place it. Our favorite, "The Red Door," is a bouncy number recalling Linton's earlier songwriting style in Henry's Dress or even their pop predecessors The Field Mice. This is one of the finer albums released this year.