Aeges is a band that avoids the tenuous definitions of music critics. The L.A.-based quartet has constantly found ways to develop and expand their sound beyond conventional limits. This guiding principle provides the steady foundation for Weightless, their new and current release. In it, the group displays their mastery at performing soaring, guitar-centered alternative rock, something that very few bands in this day and age are able to accomplish.
Aeges currently consists of vocalists/guitarists Kemble Walters and Cory Clark, bassist Tony Baumeister, and drummer Mike Land. In 2012, the group released their hard-hitting debut album The Bridge. Then, in 2014, they released their sophomore album Above & Down Below. Now, after two long, grueling years, Aeges has returned with their third album Weightless, released on July 22. In support of their new album, they are on tour this summer throughout the Southeast.
Aeges Crafts Organic, Powerful Rock Songs
The album’s title track “Weightless” comes in hard and fierce like a raging bull elephant. Pounding drumbeats mix with thumping bass riffs to form a chugging rhythm. At the same time, buzzing, distorted riffs from the guitar duo of Walters and Clark sail on top of this restless rhythm with steadfast vigor. Also brimming with strength are the sonorous, howling vocals delivered by the pair, as well. Past the three-minute mark, a stirring guitar solo emerges that adds one last, sonic jolt to this song before it concludes with a fade-out drenched in reverb.
Another noteworthy track is “Another Wasteland.” The song opens with a brief period of echoing feedback. Then, it’s taken over by deep, heavy guitar riffs, pulsing bass riffs, and thunderous drums. Standing in contrast to this harsh wall of noise are the melodic vocals from Clark and Walters. As the song continues, these combined attributes create a powerful aura that permeates throughout this song. It complements the bleak undertones within lyrics like “We are the builders and we are the demolition / Breaking ground then letting it all burn down.”
“Clear” starts off with a short interval of moderate guitar lines. They are soon accompanied by coarse, striding guitar riffs, reverberant bass riffs, and clamorous drums and cymbal crashes. Both the bass and guitar riffs are loaded with fluid, rushing grooves. Meanwhile, wailing, piercing vocals saunter across in a manner akin to Chris Cornell of Soundgarden. At the 2:19 mark, the song dives in a brief breakdown with interruptions by harsh, cutting guitar chops. After this, it returns to its original mode and persists until it fades away with screeching guitar lines floating into emptiness.
Then, there’s “Drown” which hits listeners with waves of loud, hulking noise. A cohesive rhythm forms from the fusion of Land’s roaring drumbeats and Baumeister’s vibrant bassline. Riding across this rhythmic backbone are plangent, plaintive vocals that add a sullen tone to this piece. Yet, it’s the heavy, jagged, and dynamic guitar riffs that make this track truly unforgettable. Past 2:50, though, all of the noise fades away except for a fuzz-filled guitar line. The song then rebuilds itself and slides into a lively guitar solo. After this, it marches onward towards its sudden conclusion.
Thus, Weightless, the new album from Aeges, showcases a resolute, multi-faceted style of rock music incomparable to any other band today.
