Local rock band Aerodrone used to joke about becoming the next Aerosmith, and now it looks like it’s on its way to stardom. In early
January, the group will be traveling to Edmonton, Canada to record an EP with Nocturnal Productions. The band finalized this decision after being contacted by both independent and major recording companies within the last couple of weeks.
The awestruck young rockers attribute their newfound industry attention to a combination of networking and pure luck. Although Aerodrone may act humble, checking out their recordings, it’s clear that their music is what truly sets them apart.
Featuring five high-energy songs, Aerodrone’s self-titled demo serves up a unique blend of gritty retro rock with a side dish of smooth, synth-driven new wave. The band has a knack for writing catchy hooks that refuse to leave the listener’s head.
In “Give Up,” the demo’s title track, punk-pop takes over as Gary Zon, the band’s elusive Russian frontman, reassures his listeners,
“I like people, I’m a really nice guy.” To experience this song, imagine jug-jug guitars and the melodic “woah-ohs” of Jimmy Eat World being sung by a key-tar playing Elvis Costello impersonator.
“Don’t Speak Up,” on the other hand, is a hyperactive pop ditty that demands ’80s-style freak dancing. While band guitarist Kevin Patrick stabs at the chorus with choppy, Franz Ferdinand-style guitar riffs, keyboardist Shawn Kilmer pounds out cheesy 8-bit tones that sound like some kid going wild on “Space Invaders” at the local arcade. Even though the bass part is overly simple and the drums sound a little off at times, this is definitely Aerodrone’s best song.
Aerodrone rounds out their demo with a low-end dominant piece entitled “Infinite.” Unlike most of their repertoire, this song is slower and showcases a dark and atmospheric backdrop of industrial-sounding keyboards. As the movement progresses, more and more levels of instrumentation are added into the mix, building up a wall of sound reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails.
What the demo lacks in mixing and production quality, it makes up for in solid performances.
Over the past year, Aerodrone has gigged these demo songs relentlessly, and begun to carve out a significant fan base with the young people of Eugene.
“Our scene can seem stale at times,” said Dane Sundseth of Minute Morning Magazine, “but Aerodrone is inspiring because they bring about hope of having a music community that consists of more than just jam bands and low-grade punk groups.”
Aerodronemania was a phrase coined by the band after some of their fans began to wear homemade shirts that referred to individual members by name. Among other things, band members have been asked to pose for fan photos and sign various memorabilia.
“When I saw them at the Campbell Club, there was a guy in front of me who appeared to be a relatively consistent groupie that knew all the lyrics,” said Joey Mucha, a University student. “The dude just rocked out and went totally crazy.”
The band’s growing popularity was temporarily jeopardized when two of its members were cut for creative differences.
“I remember our drummer throwing down the drumsticks at the end of recording ‘Don’t Speak Up’ because he thought the take was horrible,” said Zon. “We used it anyway just so we could make him feel bad at that point.”
The loss was painful for everyone involved in Aerodrone, but Zon said he took it the hardest.
“Those guys meant the world to me, and it felt like a bright, orange nuclear explosion when they left,” said Zon. “The pain just never stops, but it’s what drives me and ultimately gives me the passion and energy to create.”
Aerodrone knew it would be difficult to find suitable replacements because some young musicians in Eugene are caught up in the nuances of the local scene.
“It’s one thing to buy PBR because it’s all you can afford,” said Patrick, “but if you’re drinking Pabst to match your tight pants and mullet, then you probably belong in a different band.”
With Chris Olson as the new bassist and Eric Fowler taking over on drums, the group has rebounded with a fresh sense of motivation.
“We’ve met some promising kids, plus it feels like we are picking up right where we left off and then some,” said Kilmer. “We will undoubtedly go in a more creative direction.”
Aerodrone refuses to believe in the myth that flamboyant bands are a fad.
“A lot of people didn’t take us seriously until now,” said Patrick. “But it was the same way with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Soldiers.”
The band’s lead singer, whose electronica project Dismantled is already signed to Metropolis Records in the United States, and Dependent Records in Europe, is anxious to offer advice to other up-and-coming Eugene musicians.
“The lesson to be learned is that you have to go beyond the small-town mindset to get anywhere,” said Zon. “If you don’t get out of from inside that local scene loop, you’re going to end up living in a garbage bag down by the Willamette River.”
The band is eager to hit the road and find out what the future holds.
“I’d say we’re good as long as we get a label that will give us a bigger van,” said Zon.
Aerodrone will be announcing new show dates following their recording session in January. More information about the band as well as music clips and merchandise can be found at www.aerodrone.com and www.myspace.com/aerodrone.