ALBUM REVIEW

Air Traffic Fractured Life

I first discovered Air Traffic when they released their first single [EP] “Never Even Told Me Her Name” back in October 2006. Well, every so often a band comes along that you just want to hear more and more from. Even though I had only heard four songs by the band, I found myself almost weekly, investigating when the album will be ready for release. The album arrived in July this year, and I could get back to day-to-day life (or so I thought).

One professional reviewer made nearly the boldest of statements possible in this industry. That was to state that Air Traffic are to be the next the Coldplay. Well, I would like to carry on with the shock and awe tactics, and make my own statement on the band. I’m stating that the band is in fact better than the colossus Coldplay. However, I can explain my crime. I have not stopped listening to this album for over a month (I can’t recall doing the same for Parachutes?). They blend ragged guitars with melodic piano so well that Gordon Ramsay would be proud if it was served as dinner at Claridges. This is all garnished with a vocal from Tom Pritchard that just oozes emotion, and with the notes subject to outstanding timing, all without losing the rawness of Rock. “Fractured Life” is an album that has not been rushed (I can vouch for that!). For example, “Time Goes By” is very much a rip in time, as it takes the listener back to 90’s where The Pixies and then later Nirvana were laying the seeds for the quiet/loud method of writing (“Smells Like Teen Spirit” for example). Though this is a familiar pattern on the album. The diverse use of links and bridges used between the verses and choruses make each track independent. It makes a pleasant change to listen to an album that does not sound all the same.

“Shooting Star” is by far the best track on the album. Timed at a little over four minutes, those minutes it gives off such grandeur. It opens with “Pretty if the sun won’t shine, I’ll be coming out to meet you, I’ll be there to make you mine”. Tom sings this line in such a innocent tone, it pulls the listener in closer with fragility, but it is a trap. With the rising tempo and thrashing chorus that follows, the song now has you closer enough to launch an assault of emotions on you. There is a message throughout the album of triumph. A message of victory over the obstacles that are thrown at one through life. This is concluded with the last track “Your Fractured Life”. Without discrediting my earlier bold statement, this track is set out like Coldplay’s “Fix You”. However, where “Fix You” was non-specific in its appeal, “Your Fractured Life” sounds like it is being directed at you with an arm around your shoulder. It is a lot less generic, and a lot more personal.

Finally, I would like to point out that this album is not only a melodic fragile delight, but it is also if not more of a rebellious example of Indie Rock & Roll, for example with tracks like “Charlotte” and “I Like That”. The latter of the two could be best described as ‘dirty’ (You’ll have to listen to it for an explanation why!). The Bournemouth four-piece have proved that not only can they play their respective instruments to an extremely high standard, but they can also create an debut album that deserves to be remembered on future lists and charts of great debut albums.