Aerostation - 2025 - Rethink

(44:35; Independent Artist Records)






















Here we have the second album from Italian trio Aerostation, who comprise Alex Carpani (vocals, keytar), Gigi Cavalli Cocchi (drums, electronic pads) and Jacopo Rossi (bass). I have not heard the debut album, which came out seven years ago, but last year I reviewed Alex’s album ‘The Good Man’, while I actually interviewed Gigi all the way back in 2006 (along with Bernardo Lanzetti) after Mangala Vallis released the excellent ‘Lyncanthrope’. As one can see from the line-up, there are no guitars on this album, with the layering coming mostly from Alex’s custom keytar (an instrument I do wish we saw more of in concert).

This is a very modern-sounding album, with a very strong focus on the production, and while that is obviously deliberate, it has made it quite difficult for me to listen to. I prefer my music to have more space within the layers, and this is much more of a wall of sound approach. There is nothing wrong with that, but it is not a style I enjoy. That being said, this is an album which has really grown on me the more I have listened to it, with its very strong commercial elements, and I am sure the reason for my initial dislike is much more down to personal taste as opposed to any particular fault with the album itself. Gigi is playing drums, but I do wish the acoustic vitality was further forward in the mix, while I also feel Jacopo’s bass should be way more prominent as he provides some wonderful lines and is often carrying the main melody with the layers of keytar providing wonderful backdrop, but it can sometimes get lost. However, it does mean that with the different sounds and threads coming from the keytar we never miss the lack of guitar. Even the vocals have been treated, and while there is no doubt this is in a similar vein to much of modern music is not a production style I like. 

The result is a modern crossover progressive rock album which will be of interest to many which has taken a long time for me to warm to, but while I cannot see me returning to this to listen to it for pleasure, that is just down to my own personal taste. I see my friend Thomas Szirmay is a huge fan,  and if you like this style of progressive rock, I am sure you will find much here to enjoy. 

Kev Rowland, October 2025

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/aerostationband

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