Toxic Pete Review –

There just aint enough of this kinda thing out there!! Well, I suppose in one way that favours Isaac's Aircraft cuz their sound is rewardingly different.

Piano rock is what I'm talking about. Yes, piano driven rockin' pop; gutsy, dynamic, distinct!

Quite why more bands don't go in for it I don't know; when I hear something like Isaac's Aircraft I'm almost always totally hooked from the opening bars. I don't know what it is about the sound of a well struck piano that instantly makes me stop and listen; is it cuz it is unusual, is it cuz it's such a vibrant sound, is it cuz I just like piano?? I'm not sure but it sure works for me and there must be millions like me who go in for this kinda thing. Anyway, Isaac's Aircraft make a wonderful noise; they vie piano with scorchin' guitars in a way that's instantly appealing and massively effective and this great EP is loaded to overflowin' with fantastic pop-rock noise and catchy hooks.

Ok, I hear you say, Keane do this don't they? No!! Keane use piano 'sound' in a much more wishy-washy way, orchestrated into the background, making up the sound rather than causing it. Here, Isaac's Aircraft use the piano like Rachmaninov playing rock'n'roll, if you can imagine that! Anyway, take it from me, Isaac's Aircraft make a joyous sound! But, it aint just about keyboard!! Oh no, Isaac's Aircraft is also about guitar, bass drums, voice, songs, dynamics, presence and much more - Isaac's Aircraft have it all covered, they're almost too good to be true!

'Friends & Foes' is a stupendous three track EP that showcases this brilliant sounding outfit quite beautifully. The only disappointment is that there are only three songs - I need more - give me more guys!! To say that Isaac's Aircraft are dynamic would be an understatement; this is massively impressive stuff that I could listen to all day long. Quite obviously these guys are fantastic musicians that also know about and understand musical composition cuz this is amazing'! This is ballsy, punchy, kick-ass pop-rock of the highest calibre from a four-piece that sound absolutely brilliant.

And, you don't have to wait while 'Friends & Foes' comes to you - this is instant, this is full-on, in-yer-face brilliance. And again, these guys are still relatively young, they just shouldn't be able to play or write stuff this good - it's awesome!! Certainly one of the most impressive bands I've heard recently, Isaac's Aircraft must surely be looking straight into the dirty teeth of commercial success - whether that comes in the form of 'chart' success or cult fanaticism I'm not sure but these young guys are fuckin' shit hot and 'Friends & Foes' is absolutely sensational!!

Avenue61 Revue –

The band name. The song title. The myspace genre's section. Everything about this band screams "indie!!!", a genre which I very much dislike. My hopes were low from the off. However Isaac's Aircraft manage to get round this obstacle by doing the best thing possible - writing a decent song.


"Friends and Foes" begins with a cool piano riff and brings to mind "Prologue to

History" by the Manic Street Preachers almost immediately. Zak's vocal's however, distance the two again, allowing "Friends and Foes" to become a song in its own right. The music is upbeat, likeable and has the ability to captivate many people's interest across the country. The vocals are simple and, should this become a hit, everybody will be singing it. This song has managed to do the almost impossible task of creating a mainstream sound, but still being different from a lot of songs out there.

The main difference - as I've already mentioned - is that "Friends and Foes" is actually a good song, there isn't a weak link to be found. Then, just over two minutes into, we reach the guitar solo (something that has been lost from new music a lot these days) and while it isn't fantastic, the fuzzy tone brings an edgier, rockier element that's been missing from most indie music of today. It's something new, it's something interesting, and it's possibly the best bit to this song.


With more songs of this caliber, Isaac's Aircraft will go far. That is clear to see, but they will generate interest in more people than just the traditional "scene kids" through the inclusion of funky pianos and a guitar solo. This band is on the rise, and doesn't seem to want to slow down with a hectic touring schedule ahead of them, and a record label behind them...it won't be long before they are the next band coming through your T.V set - they've already appeared on BBC6 Music. Isaac's Aircraft myspace states that they will appeal to "Indie-rock and non Indie-rock fans alike" and after hearing "Friends and Foes" I couldn't agree with the statement more.

Buzzin Music Blog Review - 

It’s hard to imagine a Band with a bass player being replaced with a piano, however it seems to be the new in thing with a few bands these days and with it working so well with Isaac’s Aircraft they could be here to set a new trend. This Band has a mixture of sounds with edgy Indie Rock, Acoustic Guitars and of course the piano.

You could easily compare this Band with the likes of Keane however Isaac’s Aircraft have a much more easy going sound about them, there not into trying to write musical masterpieces or have screeching guitar solos every 30 seconds. The whole Band seem to be very laid back about their approach to Music and the success they have achieved so far.

They seem to be able to write cracking songs easily, the songs are so simple that it’s like each member was born to to perform in this Band, this band really does work. If your into softer Indie Bands and want to listen to something more easy going and musically talented then Isaac’s aircraft could be your new favorite band!

Since forming at the back of a former factory workers house in Cambridge, Isaac’s Aircraft claimed accolades on the Cambridge music scene with a summer of packed out live shows and the release of their debut EP, Holding Up The Line in 2007.
Their latest EP Friends & Foes, as featured on BBC6 Music, recognises the bands progression from a three piece to a four piece, creating an all-together much rockier sound.
With heavy piano influences ranging from Chopin to The Arcade Fire, Isaac’s Aircraft combine a concoction of pounding rhythms and tortured lyrics, to create a truly refreshing and innovative new sound.

“Cambridge combo Isaac’s Aircraft are bucking the trend with storming live shows and records like this one, Friends & Foes.” Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music

“…After listening to friends and foes, everyone’s new year’s resolution should be to eat, drink and sleep with Isaac’s Aircraft!” Jez Sallis, BBC Radio Cambridgeshire

Isaac’s Aircraft released their E.P Friends and Foes through Crash Records on the 6th of April available from all good record stores and download sites.

Von Pip Interview/ Review -

We’ve had Led Zeppelin, Jefferson Airplane, the B’52’s, and the Blue Aeroplanes to name but a few. Well now you can add Isaac’s Aircraft to your list of bands that have aviation themed monikers. The name may conjure many images, but for me, in my minds eye, all I can picture is John Locke and Jack Shephard from “Lost”, having one of their regular tête-à-têtes on the rights and wrongs of leaving that infuriating island…

Locke: “What if everything that happened here happened for a reason Jack?- I don’t think the island’s gonna let you leave Jack.”
Jack : “Goddamn it Locke, I’m getting on board Isaac’s Aircraft and I’m getting off this island. You’re insane! “
Locke: [looking annoyingly enigmatic] “I don’t think the island’s finished with you yet Jack, I don’t think it’s gonna let you get on board Isaac’s Aircraft“
Jack: “You don’t think so?”
Locke: “No Jack, no, I don’t”
Jack: “You’re Insane-I’m leaving”
Locke: “I really don’t think so Jack, the island won’t let you go Jack”
Jack: [doing his "earnest yet slightly constipated face"] “You Think so?”
Locke: “Yes, Jack, yes I do Jack, yes….I do……Jack..” 
Jack: “You’re insane Locke”
Locke:[cocking his head to one side, like a small bird] “Am I Jack? Am I really?… Am I ?…. “

To realistically replicate the conversation Jack and Locke invariably have at least once during every episode of “Lost”, simply copy and paste the last five lines approximately 200 times.  While you do that I’ll get back to the music….

Since forming at the back of a former factory workers house in Cambridge, Isaac’s Aircraft have received high praise and become  firm favourites on the Cambridge music scene.  Their latest EP “Friends & Foes”, has been featured on BBC6 Music, and quite clearly showcases the progression the band have made since their debut, “Holding Up The Line” in 2007. People may lazily compare their thundering but melodious piano sound to, say, the likes of  Keane, and there maybe some merit in that comparison, but I’m sensing a harder edge here. This of course may be entirely due to the fact that, unlike Keane, the don’t have a lead singer whose features resemble one of  Rafael’s cherubs after inadvertently swallowing a hot air balloon.  Isaac’s Aircraft’s lyrics suggest a band that despite introspection, are socially aware

and their songs cover contemporary themes such as alienation, isolation and Hervé Villechaize’s metaphysical quest for meaning.

Stylistically they move effortlessly between the James Dean Bradfield-esque chorus of “Nothing To Relate”, which  sounds like The Manic Street Preachers discovering Billy Joel, to the more rock infused “Big Mammoth”.  Whilst the band’s songs definitely have quite an immediate and radio friendly feel, their pounding rhythms and lyrical dexterity should ensure they appeal to Indie-Rock and non Indie-Rock fans alike. We had a brief chat with them to find out whether they had their feet firmly on the ground, or their heads in the clouds….

VP: How did the band get together and what the devil is the name all about?

Zak: All of us met at sixth form and after discovering that our taste in music was similar enough and there was a good average skill level, we thought why not. Originally we were called The Aircraft, but after our bassist Isaac disappeared just south of Peru, we hung up the role of bassist and dedicated the band’s name to him (we hope that he  is still out there, somewhere).

VP: How would you describe your music ?

Zak: Indie-Rock-Pop, with heavy piano influences

VP: ….. And who are your all time musical heroes?

Calum: Freddie Mercury
James: Tom Jones
Zak: David Bowie
Martin: Erik Satie

VP:  Your single “Friends Or Foes” is out soon. What’s it all about then ?

Zak: The song is about going away and coming back, to find that everything is not quite how you remembered it to be.

VP:  What sort of things inspire you to write songs?

Zak: Usually my family, but I also like to write about experiences and situations.

VP:  Do you think the Brit awards were fairly representative of the UK music scene in 2008?

Zak: It is a true enough representation of the mainstream culture, but in no way broad enough to encompass all the music that you can find in the UK.

VP:  Are there any releases in 2009 that you’re particularly looking forward to ?

Zak: New Arctic Monkeys

VP:  What sort of state is the music business in at the moment? Major labels seem to be running around like headless chickens trying to claw back control, but others say its a golden age for music with more freedom for artists, legends making comebacks etc ?

Zak: It’s hard to gage, no-one seems to know what’s going on, but with the quantity of new music coming about, it will inevitably continue to change.

VP:  What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?

Martin: Muse in Berlin 2002
Zak: Foo Fighters @ V festival 2003
Calum: Bloc Party @ O2 (NME Awards)2007
James: Reading 2007

VP:  Five things you hope to achieve in 2009?

Zak:

1. Have fun .
2. Have more fun.
3. Have slightly more fun .
4. Be predictable and have more fun .
5. Topped off with a healthy dose of fun.

Isaac’s Aircraft release their new EP, Friends & Foes, on April 6th via Crash Records.

Room Thirteen Review -

Have you ever listened to a track, really enjoyed it, found it quite catchy but can never really put a finger on what it is that makes such a tune so incredibly enjoyable. This is the case I had with the latest record to come from Isaac’s Aircraft.

‘Friends and Foes’ is a three track piano friendly Ep. I am fairly certain that it is the talent of the pianist that make each of the three tracks so amazing. Well that and their melodic melodies. The CD begins with the gracious melodies of the title track, which kicks up with guitar and keeps a steady pace. We then move to the simplicity of ‘Nothing to Relate’. This song has a very attractive chorus, lyrically, vocally and musically. We then conclude the record with the more composed ‘Big Mammoth’, which is glued together by some rock and roll indie vibes.

Isaac’s Aircraft have a knack for creating chic and elegant piano tunes and this is more than proven on this record; bright and friendly songs with a positive outcome.