Aisles have emerged once again, after another change in personnel, this time welcoming in a new singer and a new drummer. I described 2023’s Beyond Drama as a transitional album, containing a mix of the authentic Aisles sound (melodic prog) and a fresher high-energy rock style. Since then, the band have released two EPs, firstly Bahamut a set of short, sci-fi inspired instrumentals, and more recently Obras de los Jaivas, a tribute to the legendary Chilean band Los Jaivas, featuring a number of guest singers, in a range of musical styles.
The band’s latest album release is called Irrationally and Germán Vergara, the band’s leader and guitarist, acknowledges that the new Aisles sound pushes them more in the direction of the progressive metal of Leprous, and further away from their melodic roots. That’s not to say that they have thrown the bathwater out with the baby, but it does mean that Irrationally can also be described as transitional, with the band still searching for consistency.
The leap from high energy rock to metal is a bold one, and is presumably linked to the recruitment of Alvaro Poblete on drums, who has a history of playing in bands in the metal genre. He proves to be adept and flexible enough to accommodate Aisles’ wide range of requirements but the addition of his heavier hitting has definitely opened up new possibilities.
The album doesn’t include any epic long-form pieces, which has been a characteristic of all of the discography so far, but the longer tracks on Irrationally of which there are three, allow scope for the band to explore progressive and melodic elements, in the classic Aisles style. I’ll be honest from the start and say that it’s no coincidence that these three tracks, numbers six, ten and eleven, are my top three picks from the setlist. I have nothing particular against the prog metal stylings on show on the other songs, and have been known to settle down with a Leprous album from time to time, but it being Aisles, there is always a lot going on, and the shorter song format can lead to a frenetic mash up of styles. Sometimes that is marvellously energetic and exciting, and sometimes, well, it’s all a bit frenetic.
The first run of five tracks are all self-contained songs that all seem to work individually, but together create a bit of a random assortment. Title track Irrationally is a companion piece to the hi-energy songs from the last album, whilst also fitting in some acoustic guitar, percussive elements, the Aisles choir, and a raucous metal bridge section. It sort of sums up my reaction to the whole album actually, a bit wild and all over the place, but performed by lovable rogues whose hearts are in the right place, but who struggle to control their enthusiasm.
This sequence continues with the rather pop-tastic Took Me Years, who’s big beat opening section segues, by design, into an 80’s electro pop chorus. Now is the Time is more coherent, leaning into rock, and inviting Leprous comparisons, both musically, and vocally. Blue Skies is more Anathema-esque, with an interesting math rock / polyrhythmic groove and an uplifting closing section. The surreal Lobsters and Ants is heavier and has a darker vibe. It’s a solid rocker, let down somewhat by an overwrought spoken word section, but saved by a magnificent screeching guitar solo. Some interesting songs, but we aren’t sure what is in store next, since the new Aisles is distinctly different from the old Aisles, and infuriatingly unpredictable!
Side two, if the next sequence of tracks can be called that, opens with track 6 (the first of my top three recommendations) Think I’m a Ghost and it is more recognisably related to the old Aisles. The song itself has a gothic, late-night ambience and the extended guitar solo in the middle section is excellent and arguably Howe-esque in its style and virtuosity. The soundscape that rounds the track off is a delightful touch, both in terms of the space provided for such a respite, and also to continue the imaginative arc of the story, are we human or are we ghost dancer?
Anywhere is a frustrating one. If I am not mistaken, the premise of the lyrics is rather clever, using the mantra of ‘we can travel South’ as a subtle-ish double entendre, suggesting the getaway travel destination of choice or a more primal, Meatloaf style reference to an attempt to ‘get to third base’. Unfortunately, the song is overdone on many levels, and is, in my opinion a missed opportunity. A short instrumental break is left hanging in front of This is How Our Story Began, a song that also falls a short of excitement and tension, and sits on its own in terms, another anomaly in the setlist.
But it’s a solid enough pairing to close the album. Track 10, One More Ride has the band sounding more in tune with themselves and their ethos. The featured song is standard rock fare, but the extended instrumental outro contains a glorious few moments of anarchic fun, followed by an inventive, groovy guitar solo with solid backbeats.
That brings us to track 11, Come Back, the absolute highlight, and a reminder of the band’s past melodic, progressive glories. When we question the state of modern prog music compared to the classic years, this is just the kind of song that defies our expectations, and adds to the long and growing list of memorable tracks served up by the current era of progressive artists, using modern musical tropes to emulate the emotion, excitement and ingenuity of previous stars of the genre. It’s magnificent, but the band, with one crucial and inexplicable decision, unforgivably cut the song short with a sudden, grating sound reminiscent of the needle slipping out of the vinyl groove. It’s a diabolical act, I have to say, and has forced me into editing it out and imposing my own fade out on a new file copy. At least we have that option now, but it shouldn’t be required.
So, what do I make of Aisles now? They still create magical moments and they still confound expectations. One day they will create their magnum opus, but Irrationally is not it. Will they be prepared to compromise? Maybe the Latin temperament and Chilean musical roots will continue to influence the stylistic machismo and freedom of expression that seems to drive the band. However, they are moving forward, progressing, so they are definitely worth a follow, so until the next time, adios amigos!
TRACK LISTING
01. Irrationally (5:06)
02. Took Me Years (4:31)
03. Now Is The Time (3:57)
04. Blue Skies (5:03)
05. Lobsters And Ants (5:36)
06. Think I’m A Ghost (7:16)
07. Anywhere (4:32)
08. This Is How Our Story Bega (0:28)
09. Now It’s Over (4:46)
10. One More Ride (6:38)
11. Come Back (7:17)
Total Time – 56:33
MUSICIANS
Boris Seeder – Vocals
Germán Vergara – Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Vocals
Daniel Concha Baird-Kerr – Bass
Alvaro Poblete – Drums, Percussions
Juan Pablo Gaete – Keyboards, Synthesizers, Piano, Vocals, Marimba, Additional Drums (10)
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Presagio Records
Country of Origin: Chile
Date of Release: 1st October 2026
LINKS
Aisles – Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | YouTube | X | Instagram
