Fall of the Leafe

I wish I liked this record better. Aerolithe has lots to recommend, from goth rock to metal "oomph,” melodic flair and progressive complexity, and piano countermelodies that provide a rich contrast to the nearly constant driving aggression. And yet something in there’s gone sour. I suspect it’s the American hard rock drawl that taints every song with a generic texture. If you can get past the painful commercial radio vibe you might be able to appreciate the mournfulness and angst. And if you’re a long-time Fall of the Leafe fan, Aerolithe’s sound should come as no surprise — the band have been heading in this direction for a while. But if contemporary mainstream rock upsets your stomach, you might want to turn the other way.