AZTEC CAMERA - HIGH LAND, HARD RAIN

My first exposure to Aztec Camera came in the form of a compilation CD from Sire records. I can't remember the name of the song because that disc has long since been stolen. I do remember it was a tune I liked enough to remember the name of the band. When I saw this disc at the local record store for a couple bucks, I picked it up. I read up a little on this band on Wikipedia before I sat down to write this review because in reality, I know virtually nothing about the group. Apparently, the band was formed around a young songwriter named Roddy Frame. The group was a way to showcase his talents as a songwriter, guitarist and singer. By the third album, Roddy was the only original member of the group still performing under the band name. He's also the composer of the band's songs.

Let's get right to it, shall we? The first track is 'Oblivious' and it's easily my favorite track on the record. It's got a wonderful progression, great lyrics and an excellent beat. Frame writes music I would compare to early New Order or Smiths material but lacking the electronic essence. During the time this record was released, New Wave was hugely popular and the demand for British pop was overwhelming. Frame was quickly lumped into that scene; which is unfortunate because he wasn't really a part of it. At least not on this record. His music is whimsical, thoughtful and the acoustic guitar playing is highlighted throughout. Hardly fitting the New Wave genre. I suspect he became an alternative for those kids who were alternative but looked for something even more alternative than their friends.

I remember the first band I ever wrote music with and when I listen to this record, I'm reminded of those days and those songs. Unlike most younger artists, Frame looks for subject matter that isn't ordinary. He writes challenging and poetic lyrics on a broad range of subjects. There's even an Austen-ian charm in the love 'sentiments' expressed in songs like 'We Could Send Letters' and 'Release'. On the heels of 'Oblivious' comes 'The Boy Wonders' and 'Walk Out To Winter'. Both of these songs are pure enjoyment and echo the sound of the first track. There's that exciting guitar playing accompanied by wonderfully cheerful drums and various instruments. On 'The Bugle Sounds Again' Frame kinda looses the momentum he's built up. The song is nice, but the overpowering echo on the microphone makes the tune hard to listen to. Back to formula with 'We Could Send Letters' and 'Pillar To Post', both great tracks.

'Release' starts off slower and builds as it goes culminating with an organ drawing us out. It demonstrates an ability to write more diverse tracks. It's followed by 'Lost Outside The Tunnel'; which moves in another direction entirely. This one really sounds like early Smiths and has an almost Spanish feel to the guitar playing. 'Back On Board' is another slower paced tune and it flows into 'Down The Dip'; a track that relies heavily on the acoustic guitar. Both 'Orchid Girl' and 'Haywire' continue the slow movement. Here's where the album really looses its power. 'Queen's Tattoos' is an excellent little ditty and ends the disc on a high note.

I think Frame has a great mind for lyrics and he's a talented guitar player. If I had to guess I'd say he got lost in the shuffle of genres and music trends. Still, he's good enough to have developed a following. I know when I first got this record I didn't pay much attention to it outside of the first track. 'Oblivious' was the song I focused on, but as I listen to it now I'm impressed with the material and I enjoy listening to the entire disc. I'll certainly listen to it more and get a better sense of this act. My final words: A HIT I MISSED FIRST TIME AROUND.

AZTEC CAMERA - HIGH LAND, HARD RAIN
01. Oblivious
02. The Boy Wonders
03. Walk Out To Winter
04. The Bugle Sounds Again
05. We Could Send Letters
06. Pillar To Post
07. Release
08. Lost Outside The Tunnel
09. Back On Board
10. Down The Dip
11. Haywire
12. Orchid Girl
13. Queen's Tattoos