Tracks: World You Notice* (Red
Ink Version)
Beautiful
Seven Days Without You
Loved
Perfect From Now On
Where Are You Now
Starting Over
Bulletproof Glow
It Falls Back On Me
Trinidad And A DC-10
When I Breathe
Love Is Here Again
Best Is Yet To Come, The
(editors note: This review was originally published covering the
indie release. It has since been released in updated form by Columbia /
Red Ink. We are republishing this review for those that missed it the last
time.)
If the music of Avion sounds familiar,
that is because you have probably heard frontman Steve Bertrand before,
and did not even know it. If you ever watched Christina Applegate’s sitcom
“Jesse,” then you heard Steve’s previous band The Tories, who not only
provided the theme song but also most of the score.
Avion is Steve’s latest musical adventure
and it picks up where The Tories left off. The same ingredients that made
The Tories such appealing melodic modern rockers are very much a part of
Avion’s sound.
Bertrand has an unmistakable voice and
a knack for melody making; as a result, songs he composes usually have
more hooks than a large bait shop. But the most intriguing thing about
Steve’s songwriting has always been his lyrics. He doesn’t seem content
to deliver by the numbers love songs or songs that expand on your typical
rock topics. He instead picks some interesting topics to sing about. On
the Tories debut that ranged from the classic Jimmy Stewart film “It’s
A Wonderful Life,” to a character on the 60s sitcom “Bewitched”.
But even when Steve tackles similar topics with his lyrics, he still has
an uncanny ability to deliver the lines with poetic finesse.
The song “Beautiful” is a perfect example:
“Telluride and an afternoon hike / Big Bear by the firelight / Thanksgiving
and a movie night / When we can't sleep … Fireworks over Disneyland
/ Airplane will you hold my hand / Without you all the colors bland / And
I can't fake it… 84 to Multinomah falls / Success I want to share
it all / Vermont and the smell of fall / And life is grand.”
Bertrand is at home pulling on the heartstrings
and delivering solid melodic pop, which is the formula that makes up the
bulk of this CD. But he is really at his best when he kicks things up a
notch and rocks, as the song “Bulletproof Glow” demonstrates with its power
that doesn’t compromise the hooks.
A few years ago, this album would have
been considered power-pop but with the advent of modern rock and band’s
like Matchbox 20, Tonic and Dishwalla that definition changed, and Avion
is right at home in that same company. Like the latter two, Avion uses
a bit heavier guitar work and that helps keep the band from falling into
the Adult Contemporary category.
That blending of powerful guitars and melodious
vocals kicks off right from the start with the lead off track “Perfect
From Now On.” Bertrand’s almost Beatle-esq way with melody captures your
attention almost at once. The second song, “Loved”, has almost a
Beck feel to it until you get to the “big” choruses.
The first single “Seven Days Without You”
is a bittersweet ballad, that may not win over rockers but is a surefire
radio hit. “Beautiful” is classic Steve Bertrand with his unique vocal
flourishes.
I’ve about run out of room and I’m not
even half through the album, but I can’t go without plugging the next song
“Starting Over,” which is probably one of the best power-pop songs I’ve
heard in a while. The light verse to heavy chorus are flawless and the
experimental feel of the instrumentation make this song really standout.
If you’re a fan of The Tories, this CD
is a no-brainer, you have to own it. The same goes for fans of Tonic and
Dishwalla. If you have a taste for melodic rock with integrity, then you
should most definitely checkout Avion. I was among those very saddened
when The Tories parted ways, but I’m overjoyed with the next chapter in
Steve’s musical biography.
But don’t take my word for it, check out
the link to the official Avion site and check out the listen section which
has clips of all the songs.
Posted by Savvy:
I LOVE this album, I listen to it all the time... it has music for all moods! avion did a great job, KUDOS!
Posted by PennyLane:
I love this album! I haven't gotten this excited about a new band in a while!
Posted by Patience:
Steve Bertrand was awsome in Bosie. I wish I could talk to him again. He is probabally fun to hang out with. Steves new band is awsome. Guys keep up the good work.(:
Posted by [MeeGs]:
Oh yeah! They are definitely awesome...!!!
Posted by Chris:
I agree with TheMan. "Le Pont Neuf" is amazing. What a melody! Coupled with the words:
It's my party, everything's perfect. No regrets. But...I'm lying. You say "I love you" for the second time this week. But...you're lying. This is the place where love died in my heart. This is the place where my eyes were opened, on the Pont Neuf. Why do I laugh? Life is awesome without my girlfriends! It's no big deal. Full of memories this Saturday night, say "Goodbye", France misses me.
Posted by Jill:
this band has a lot going for them and i think there gonna be big...i saw them in concert in new york...and met them after the show not only did they rock but they were the most nicest guys ever....they were very apprciative that i bought there c-d..... there c-d rocks! they rock!
Posted by TheMan: "Le Pont Neuf" is absolutely beautiful.
If you don't speak French, here are the rudely translated chorus: This
is the place where love died in my heart. This is the place where my eyes
were opened. On Pont Neuf. Pont Neuf is an actual bridge over the River
Seine in Paris. Absolutely awesome song.
Posted by
imallupinyourkoolaid: I dont even know what avion looks like
but they pulled me threw with the song "7 days without you" This band is
really deep and has a way with words
Posted by
bensgirl07: i saw avion in concert at the saint louis
fair and air show and they were amazing...i can not put down there cd!!!we
got to buy them for 10 bucks
Posted by
Krista: I have only heard one Avion song. "7 days
without you" Its such an awesome and harmonious song.
Posted by
blueeyes18: I love Avion's music!the whole band is
incredible and i cannot wait until they come to st.louis again
Posted by
Annakedd: I love Avion!!!! I honestly love all of
their songs that I have heard. All of their songs make me want to cry!!!
I love them so much!!
Posted by
Tater Salad: Seven Days sounds like Cold Play to me.
Both good!
Posted by
dragonfly: this band rocks! the lyrics are amazing
the music is wonderful! check them out if you havent already, you wont
regret it!
Posted by
guitartapper: this band is totally amazing, love their
karma!
Posted by
emma's in the banana-boat: i love it its like so totally corn fed!
by that i mean its supercalifragilisticexpialadocious! or kewl beans! yeah..
im from cali and the sun is getting to my "brain"ha! -i love zach!!
Posted by
Jamie: saw them live in ohio and can't quit listening.
awesome sound, awesome guys.
Posted by
Emmy: The 1st time i heard seven days without
you i cried. it is the most awesome song i have ever heard.
Posted by
ilike2b: wow... This band is going to rise to the
top of the charts! Their CD is amazing...I don't even think i can pick
my favorite song, i love them all!
Posted by
momma deb: they r going to be huge!
Posted by
mary: i think they are the best!
Posted by
K: click on the official website link and
once there click on the listen link, they have the lyrics to all of the
songs posted there.
Posted by
Dani: Lyrics!!! What are the lyrics to "Seven
Days"...can anyone please post them????
Posted by
Nick: My opinion is probably a little bias,
due to the fact that I'm the older brother to the key board kid, but one
of the best bands i've heard in years
Posted by
Shayn: arrgh... I thought this place was called
antimusic?
Posted by
foleesha22: OH MY GOSH! Can I say great? well i just
did! i love it so much...beautiful is my FAVORITE! most def. i love it!
Posted by
jenmiller21: GREAT CD!!
Posted by
hôtesse de l'air: This CD is my absolute favorite! I could
listen to it over, and over, and over....Steve is amazing!
Posted by
bassist3003: I think this is a great CD and if your
reading this you should treat yourself and pick it up!!
