Search - Aislers Set :: How I Learned to Write Backwards

The House I Live In

Kathy Fennessy | 04/16/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I hadn't heard of the Aislers Set until this year. After listening to their third and latest release, however, I'm an instant convert to their mod 1960s-style pop ways. "How I Learned to Write Backwards" is even on a local Seattle label (Suicide Squeeze), although the band is based in San Francisco--and sound as if they emerged from Swinging London (or the "C-86" Scotland of groups like the Shop Assistants).



Led by songwriter/producer Amy Linton (Henry's Dress), she's somehow managed to erect an impressive Wall of Sound around her sprightly compositions--as much Jesus & Mary Chain as Phil Spector--using the most basic of ingredients, like bells, handclaps, and reverb. If you can imagine a more baroque Pavement, poppier Guided by Voices, or lower-fi Ronettes, you've got the picture. Maybe this unusual feat has something to do with the fact that Linton is also a student of architecture (hence the structurally-oriented cover art), who recently designed her first house. If that house looks anything like "How I Learned To Write Backwards" sounds, I'd love to live in it."

If it says aislers set - buy it!

Kathy Fennessy | 03/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"on their 3rd full-length masterpiece san francisco's aislers set extend their musical painting brush even further than before, touching on the darker & more abstract moments of blissed out pop. like a reviewer before me their sound resembles other bands (belle & sebastian w/ more reverb, jesus & mary chain, edith frost style vocals) but altogether they are wholly original and catchy as hell - think: garage rock/keyboards/occasional trumpet/clever arrangements/enchanting female vocals/inspiring energy & restraint all at once/great lyrics too! in some ways this is their most realized album yet, even though it's a bit shorter in length than the last 2. you really should buy all 3 and you'll be set for months on end :). also be sure to check them out when they play in your town - they're so much fun and wonderfully rocking..one of the best bands going today! if you've read this far i hope you either already have the album(s) or are going to get one for yourself right now!"

One of the year's best!

sbrooks76 | Newark, De United States | 05/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is magnificent. In a time where sounds are being exploited and caving in on each other, The Aislers Set moves from genre to genre mastering each while at the same time preseving a unique integrity that makes their albums exquisite. This is their best yet! Each song is masterfully crafted, brilliantly self contained and not overdone. From pseudo-gospel tunes to Phil Spectorish to good indie rock, this album has it all.
It is nice to have a band that isn't self-indulgent lyrically and avoids that "emo" sound and feel which really keeps some good bands from being great. A panoply of sounds from sleigh-bells to 2001 like heart-beat rhythms provides this album with a feeling that grows on you. Smart, beautiful, and at times ethereally delicious, this album is a must have!"