Customer Reviews

Scarlet & Other Stories

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

 

 

it surprises me how many AAE reviews mention that AAE is "outdated", or their cd's might be "embarrassing" in your music collection or that "you should listen to them in secret" and many, many other mindless and hopeless claims that are only backed by the fact that most of today's music listeners are so brainwashed with the crappy stuff that's put on the radio that they just dont have any relevant criteria by which to judge good music. it doesnt get heavy airplay like evanescence so it's not worth a listen. its topic is about seasons, fairies, and legends so it's deemed 'embarrassing'. it's a shame that music like this has fallen into total disregard due to stupid labeling and a growing 'interest' in a so-called music with continuous rants about society or getting dumped by that girlfriend/boyfriend. there's
nothing this band lacks: terrific songwriting, a music that stimulates your imagination everytime you hear it, beautiful, strong vocals and some of the best guitar solos you'll get to hear. solos usually bore me to death but here, the guitarist plays with his soul and the feeling is almost palpable. "December" is one of my alltime favorite songs and its closing solo has discouraged me from wanting to learn guitar playing because i can never be that good.
there are albums that i can never tire of , with tunes which pop constantly in my head when i'm in a certain mood and 'Scarlet...' is one of them.
Other similar bands: (early)3rd and the mortal, and 'nighttime birds'-era The Gathering.

Julianne Regan sadly will probably never receive her due for having one of the most beautiful, heartfelt, gorgeous voices in music. It's sad that AAE left this passionate, romantic style for a more electric / shoegazer mode but that's "growth" for you. Here, the original lineup deliver songs of such emotional richness and instrumentation. As the artwork and lyricism show, these recordings possess an autumnal feel, something to listen to when it's cold outside but warm in. Huge credit has to go to the production quality and musicianship - everything is perfect. The album before this is also a keeper; more hippie rock than this, but sublimely wonderful just the same. If there is a heaven, the voice of Julianne will greet upon arrival.

Imagine the...child of the Catherine Wheel and Jewel. Or the lovechild of Loreena McKennit and Hole. Or the Mission UK and Evanescence.

Does that help? AAE have a bit of the ethereal, folk-rock sound mixed with a full bottom and heavy, swirling guitar sounds.

And, if you like this one, check out their eponymous first disc.

this album is more evolved & I think, better crafted than the first album, maybe the first was too commercial, the second one somehow seems to contain much more lyrical content & maturity.
yet still retains the characteristic/individualistic style.
some of my fave aae tracks are here: but I think the one i go back to the most is "pearl fishermen" as it is altogether just so beautiful & i love the harmonies.

Awesome beautiful music set to haunting lyrics that seem to take on a life of their own. They later revised the trac "December" which I love just as much as this original cut.