AVIARY

One of the so-called pomp prog bands that existed at the end of the 1970s and into the early 80s, AVIARY was the brainchild of classically trained pianist Brad Love who started the band in his home town of Omak and relocated to Seattle. While starting out as a full blown progressive rock band, Love didn't got in on the prog scene as it was waning in 1975 and didn't manage to release a debut album until 1979 when the climate had shifted completely from just a few years prior. Like many late bloomer prog bands, Love steered AVIARY into the world of hybrid prog that focused on catchy pop hooks and only used prog elements as the extra touches much like other contemporary acts like Styx, FM and Kansas.

After crafting a batch of above average cuts and assembling the right cast of characters to fulfill his prophecy, Love was lucky enough to capture the attention of several record companies in Los Angeles courtesy of a friendly connection. This resulted in a short-lived career that found AVIARY's sole self-titled album being released in the year 1979 at the height of the new wave and post-punk fueled frenzies that were en vogue at the turn of the decade. One of the respites for has-been prog bands was the world of arena rock style pomp prog in the vein of Styx, Journey and Kansas who had considerable success crafting catchy pop hooks with elements of prog woven into the compositional fabric.

And indeed AVIARY steered into that direction on its one release with instantly addictive pop hooks that found Brad Love showcasing his high register vocal abilities that sounded like a mix between Queen's Freddie Mercury and Sparks' Russel Mael. Integrating many of the successful acts' sounds into its mix, AVIARY crafted a unique fusion that took a bit of Sparks, a dab of Electric Light Orchestra and added a large heap of Queen and Styx. The result turned out to be surprising good with a collection of nine high energy tracks that existed somewhere between AOR, crossover art rock and the more demanding techniques of symphonic prog. The band enjoyed having Yes' manager of the time, Brian Lane who helped Yes reinvent itself into the success story that would release "90125" a few short years down the road but unfortunately AVIARY didn't experience the same sort of luck.

Despite touring with acts such as The Hollies and Eddie Money, AVIARY didn't even make a dent on the charts with its catchy and accessible pop hooks that were overshadowed by the new wave craze. The AOR scene was still viable however it was mostly established bands that were finding radio hits and not up and coming acts like AVIARY. Regardless, the lack of success certainly wasn't a result of a botched album's worth of material. The music of AVIARY was some of the top notch pomp prog of the entire era with instantly addictive and even quirky bounciness to the tunes that adopted the near falsetto style of Sparks with the arena rock heft of Styx and Journey. Brad Love's keyboards were fast and fiery right out of the Kansas playbook and at times the bouncy bass grooves remind me of some of the 80s Marillion material. Likewise lush vocal harmonies evoke classic Queen and the melodic pop sensibilities inspired by The Beatles and Jeff Lynne's ELO.

Oddly enough i have always found Styx and Journey albums to be a tad hit and miss with some brilliant material and some not so much. AVIARY on the other hand crafted an entire album of catchy pop hooks accompanied by energetic instrumental performances. High energy and passionately delivered with a focus on the high register trebly range, the band mastered the art of crossover prog like few others did yet remained overshadowed by the legions of acts such as The Clash, Talking Heads and The Knack (who they played with) in 1979. While some similar acts like Supertramp did find success during this era, disco was also hot with Donna Summer and Michael Jackson tearing up the charts. This music is actually fairly brilliant and addictive! While most proggers find this to be sell out music and most casual music listens will probably find this to be too pomp for its own good, for those who can find that perfect musical truce between the different worlds, they will love the heck outa this one!

The second album from AVIARY "Ambition" is quite similar to their first album AVIARY "Same" released in 1979 even in terms of influences ( 10 cc, QUEEN, CITY BOY And Styx ) and musical quality. Is a very pleasing album. The great difference between the 2 albums is which in this one, besides still presents all qualities which I previously had detached in the first album, this one is( in some moments) much more near to a "real" progressive rock as for instance in track 6 "Desert Songs / Pharaohs March", track 9 " Fine Lines " ( with some GENTLE GIANT inspired moments ) . In fact this album is slightly superior than the previous. My rate is also 4 stars !!! With a recomendation... You can't lose none of two !!!

AVIARY "Same", certainly is an album capable to captivate a great segment of progressive rock fans. This effect is maybe due to the fact of although their music be very close to "pop" or even "glamour" rock in style of bands like 10CC, CITY BOY, STYX, QUEEN, they produce a high quality music and don't sound like a cheap copy of none of previous mentioned bands. Besides they are able to join a good dose of instrumental skill and a high energy sensation in all tracks. The influence of STYX can be perceived soon at the track 1 "Soaring" a "heavy ballad" with a much accentuate hard rock beat, a guitar solo with "sustained" notes and a vocal chorus, typical from Dennis De Young and cia. the track 2 " Anthem For The U.S.A." reminds me a lot CITY BOY. The track 3 " Puddles" stay in a half way between 10CC and Queen due the theatrical interpretation of theme. The track 4 " As Close As You Can Get " make impressed by the great Vocal similarity between Brad Love's vocal and Freddie Mercury. Another detachable tracks as; track 6 "Feel The Heart (Then You'll Be Mine Again) " close to STYX style and one of most progressive moments in the album, maybe the synthesizers intermissions, and finally the last track "Maple Hall" and their interesting bass arrangement. My rate is 4 stars !!!

This album here really is over the top, in the pop/pomp/prog categories and is quite mad really. There are several bands thrown into the mix here and as mentioned Queen sure take up a big portion of the mix.Equal pqrts to Queen is definately City Boy with their bombastic sound and harmony vocals.Throw in some ELO ,10 CC and Styx and I would say it is a pretty good description of what you will get with this album. Musicians are very competent and are pulling this of in style.It really is a fun album to listen to,but you also really have to be in a special mood to listen to this. So if you can't get enough of City Boy, you must own this.

The title of its final track aptly sums up my conflicted answer to the question, "do you like this album?"

Aviary was a late 1970's progressive pop band whose music evokes images of classic Queen albums like "A Night at the Opera" and "A Day at the Races".

Don't let the release date fool you. These songs were recorded in the late 70's. They just weren't "released" until decades later. (Imitative? Sure. Retro? Not really.)

Two things helped this band avoid degenerating into a total clone of Queen. First, they wisely borrowed from other art pop-rockers just enough to fashion their own uniquely amalgamated timbre. Second, their music contained a few more prog-rock flourishes and overtones than Queen's.

Eva's Birthday is the highlight track for me. I wish they had explored this Zappa inspired style of progressive pop more fully. Of course, I'm sure Sony Records had more than a thing or two to say about such "abuses of studio time" back in the 1970's.

Truth be told, there is much to like here. The melodies are infectious and imminently hummable. The guitars are alternatingly harmonious and powerful. The overall vibe of the music is so unabashedly pompous that I simply can't resist smiling throughout much of this album.

On the other hand... the vocals can borderline on "fey" at times. (So don't say I didn't warn you). And of course, don' t expect anything truly visionary or totally original.

That's not bad album. Strange thing is that I feel like listening pop music. After all these years when I was trying to avoid it, pop is striking back from rock point of view. And it's like "don't give in to the dark side of the rock Luke, fight with it.", well, at least little bit.

Music is pleasant, melodic. Contains nice guitar work. Yeah, especially guitar and vocal synchronization here is wonderful. So why I feel little bit ashamed when listening this ? Maybe that's not right. Just enjoying it would do better job. Anyway, rating will be between 3 and 4 stars, because this album deserves it.

Well, this problem with pop feeling is probably nonsense, in bio is said that they're pomp prog. As my brother said, music of Queen is melodic too. And after all, I'm the one who don't like death metal and distort guitar sounds, I should be glad for that. Maybe as this music is done is just another way how to approach prog music. Now I'm decided, four stars.

In fact, when listening some tracks, I have feelings as Freddie Mercury should sing in next moment.

EDIT: 3(-), sweeter than Moon Safari.

The debut album from "Aviary" (released some... twenty-four prior to this one) was a very good surprise and this follow-up just digs further into the same good old music influences. Inevitably, a song as "Hello" will remind you the Fab Four thanks to brilliant vocal arrangements. But this was already a major asset of the band during their self-titled release.

"Ambition" can't be considered as brilliantly innovative because of its links with past glory, but I am keen to listen to such a work which virtually brought me back in the mid-seventies. Which were my teenage days.

This album is a fine melodic piece of music all the way through. Their leader, Brad Love, is truly phenomenal in his singing role. A strong but sweet voice at the same time, a passionate person. And I appreciate passionate people.

Some tracks are more upbeat and enthusiastic, like the "Queen" oriented title track. When I say "Queen", I refer to their early days of course. It is one of the most achieved songs out of here; the one that consists of many theme changes, versatility and fantasy. A highlight.

When I listen to "You", it is as if Jeff Lynne would sit aside of me. So catchy, so pleasant, so emotional. One can of course categorized this as regressive music, but again, I have such a pleasure to listen to this song. It is just superbly organized, crafted and beautiful.

We are of course not talking of complex, intricate music. No, just easy listening and well performed songs. At least, it is the feeling that prevails until "Desert Songs/ Pharaohs March" starts.

The epic of this album (clocking at over eleven minutes) is a wonderful vocal performance again: at times sweet, it turns into a more solid rock part with strong background keys. But the highlight remains the vocal brilliantness of their leader. The closing of the first movement is truly fantastic.

The second part ("Pharaohs March"), has some ELP flavour (no wonder with such a title!). It is bombastic, pompous, imposing and grandiose. This is a well spent musical moment. At least it speaks to me. It is of course another highlight of this very good album.

The weird "Evas Birthday" has all of what a "10CC" fan can expect: the brilliant arrangements, some disjointed vocal parts, and such a sense of joy. This album is so British in its essence. It might not be the best track but it is so original.

This album features a bunch of solid and creative tracks. "Working Girl" is another one of these. It is really incredible how this band didn't have more recognition. I understand that they could hardly be successful in the US because the music they play is sooooo European but they should have done better in terms of sales over here. Maybe a promotion problem. I even read on their web-site (or better said on Brad Love's one) that they did a support tour for "The Stranglers" in '79. Not really in line with their music.

The closing song "Yes & No" is another sublime melody which is 200% "Queen" oriented. Great vocals as if you were in Mercury's boots and such power from the band. It is a wonderful way to close this excellent album.

Aviary IS a hidden gem. They really deserve your attention if you are into the best of "ELO", "10CC" and "Queen".

Four stars.

This US band is deeply rooted into some great bands of the seventies and plays a fresh and fun rock music.

Influences are plenty: guitar and vocals a la Queen for the opening track Soaring are such a pleasant way to start this album. Brad Love on the lead vocals has an excellent voice and performs in an outstanding way throughout this album. This song is excellent and is one of the highlight of this work.

If you are into an ELO ride, you can embark the Anthem For The USA while 10CC is just next door with Puddles. It holds the same craziness and clever arrangements (vocal + instrumental parts).

A combination of the both is noticeable during the enjoyable As Close As You Can Get. The melody is on the pop side but catchy and the vocals are again very well crafted. I am not saying that this is a great song, but it reminds me nicely two bands I have liked very much (and still do).

This album might sound outdated, but it should please anyone who is willing to refresh his memory and listen to unknown numbers which are truly attractive. Mystic Sharon is another jewel from this debut album.

One song is not on par: Feel The Heart which is AOR oriented, but overall this album holds more pleasant songs than average ones. If you like the bands that I have mentioned, you should have a good time while listening to this work. Add lots of synthesizers as well to get the whole picture.

A song as Average Boy is almost a mini-opera full of splendid vocals; it is really a performance but almost the whole album is of good value. It was a very good surprise when I listened to this album. Four stars.

Derivative is probably an overused term when discussing music, but in the case of Aviary it really seems to be appropriate. I have to admit to being one of the people who never heard of these guys back in the seventies when they were active. The songs on this debut release bring to mind so many other seventies AOR and prog-related bands I can’t believe there weren’t some liberties taken in putting these tracks together.

The opening “Soaring” for example could easily pass for ELO around the time they started replacing their string section with synthesizers, circa ‘Discovery’, although the tempo and keyboard passages sound like something Jeff Lynne would have put together around 1976 or so. “Anthem for the U.S.A” is even closer to a Lynne composition, and here the falsetto harmonizing male vocals are even more ELO- like. Lynne made a great next-generation Paul McCartney, and on this album Brad Love sounds like their younger second-cousin.

And the suspiciously familiar sounds don’t stop there. On “As Close as you can Get” Love manages a pretty decent Freddie Mercury imitation, but the musical accompaniment sounds more like the Buggles or maybe that “Turning Japanese” one-hit wonder the Vapors. And “Mystic Sharon” really seems like it should have belonged on the Don Was and Giorgio Moroder-produced “Electric Dreams” soundtrack alongside (once again) Jeff Lynne and Human League new-waver Philip Oakley. I loved that soundtrack by the way, but it didn’t exactly age well, and neither does this album.

“Feel the Heart” is one of those late-seventies tracks that starts to hint at the coming neo sound that became popular with bands like Saga and Asia – highly polished, heavily synthesized and just enough fluff to give the impression it’s more progressive than it really is. “Average Boy” is a pure new-wave number drenched with synthesizers and pompous, choppy fills and flourishes, plus a little more of that Lynne falsetto just for good measure.

The slow, introspective, flash-your-lighter-and-sway-with-the-music©® concert number comes with “I Will Hear”, and the band closes with another new-waver in “Maple Hall” that features affected vocals and a fairly danceable rhythm amid some pretty awkward and vapid vocals.

Sorry, but this isn’t a lost masterpiece or anything. It is kind of fun to listen to once or twice, mostly because it brings to mind an awful lot of music I grew up with that sounded a lot like this but was actually original and much better. The band would release a slightly more original and thus better album years later (after they broke up), but this one has all the makings of a marginal debut from a band that would have had more success trying to make a living as a touring cover band. For collectors only, although I’m not sure what type of collector would find this one appealing. Two stars.

peace

Anyone NOT into pop/pomp/prog should go away and read something else..NOW !! As this a about as good as it gets, when talking about pomprock/popprog !! The name of this wonder is: AVIARY...an American outfit, with master of supreme song- writing and singer de luxe, at the wheel :Brad Love. When you enter his world of pop pomp prog, you realise that this particular neck of the wood are/were indeed growing and blooming fresh of ideas,arrangements,songbuilding and sheer enthusiasm!! This is probably the BEST record ive ever heard of its kind!! You´ll hear hints of ...say... Sparks,Beatles,Valencia and many more....still its their own sound...vocals in beautiful layers , arrangements of songs and music de luxe....every song on this fabulous album is very very good...every note thought off...everything laid down with precious expertise! I dare you to mention ANY album that bares so many great songs/themes as this GEM!! This will knock you out of your pop/pomp/prog waters!! I wont mention any particular- song...as the are all great..this album is a whole!! So, what to do ? Well there are not much you CAN do...but..to buy this wonderfull cd....but do me a favour....pour yourself a favorite drink...sit back.....close your eyes....and LISTEN !!

And please.. fellow progreviewers, try this one....lets hear your opinion !!

P.s. Their next one is almost as fantastic as this one !!