Los Angeles, California indie rock band The Airborne Toxic Event traded lesser known label for a major for their sophomore release. They hired Dave Sardy (Band of Horses, Oasis) to handle production and it turned out to be a solid decision. The album All At Once has an epic, orchestral feel and doesn’t disappoint. This album is ambitious and it’s a wonder the band isn’t more well known.
Their influences stand out boldly and I can appreciate them each for their attributions to the band’s sound. There are notable leanings towards The Cure, The Talking Heads, and all things classic rock. Lead singer Mikel Jollett tells a sweeping narrative with bold lyrics which should be no surprise coming from a published novelist. And let’s be honest. Isn’t that how all albums should be written?
The album starts with the title track as if making a statement about what’s to come. “This is it, this is what I’m about to say” are the whispers I hear in my subconscious. The band takes a risk by putting in out there all at once and it works. It’s somber at times, but makes you want to dance. The lyrics are honest and sometimes eerie, but there are lighthearted moments as well. The album is anthemic, yet still has its intimate moments. “Changing” is easily the single of the album whether you’ve heard anything from the band previously or not. It has that tempo that makes your head bob and the right hooks to make it memorable. “All For A Woman” is blissful power ballad and Jollett could probably woo any woman he wanted with it. “It Doesn’t Mean A Thing” and “The Kids Are Ready To Die” capture a stifled sort of excitement that finally comes to life in the punkish, upbeat tune that is “Welcome To Your Wedding Day.” There’s a great organ that blares on, and strings are a welcome part all throughout the album. “Half Of Something Else” sounds somewhat similar to the band’s hit song “Somewhere Around Midnight” with its intro, but the song takes on a life of its own as it goes on. “All I Ever Wanted” has a sense of urgency with rushing strings, and the album ends on an eerie and somewhat morbid note with “The Graveyard Near The House.” Listening to the lyrics of each an every song is a real treat though, and it gets better with every listen. They’re dark, yet sweet and really capture the scope of human emotion.
This is album is worth your time. The orchestral leanings of the band are a refreshing take on traditional rock music that we’ve heard time and time again. And I’ll admit it: I’m a sucker for strings. I’m a self-proclaimed band and orchestra geek, but don’t less my bias sway you. As a sophomore effort, The Airborne Toxic Events has successfully avoided the slump.
Track Listing:
1. All At Once
2. Numb
3. Changing
4. All For A Woman
5. It Doesn’t Mean A Thing
6. The Kids Are Ready To Die
7. Welcome To Your Wedding Day
8. Half Of Something Else
9. Strange Girl
10. All I Ever Wanted
11. The Graveyard Near The House
