Aidan Leclaire has slowed down for nothing as he cuts into heart-forward alt/emo/indie rock songs on his latest record, Diving. From perspectives of himself, his experiences and connections to people, and movement through a beautiful world that is going to break you.
Kicking off the record is “2:02” is what will “brace you for impact” for the rest of the album, so to speak. With lyrics like “In pieces now, we can’t find how to be again” and repeating lines like “there has to be some change in my life,” it’s a gorgeous and irresistible introduction to Aidan’s voice, style, story, and his creative arrangements with punching lyrics that underscore a melodic movement unique to Aidan Leclaire’s overall approach to the record.
“Lucy” opens with a scenic sweep of guitars cutting between the sweet and rhythmic drums and inviting bass line. From the sonic elements to the catchy hooks, this track sounds impressed upon by the likes of the Arctic Monkeys, a little bit of the Strokes, and definitely some flipturn. The lyrics are a clever yet calmly admitting, like a much
“She drew a pentagram in the reflection
Appeared a face right behind where I’m standing
I tried to wake up, phantasmagoria,
I kinda wanna stay, she makes me wanna say… Ah, ah, ah”
And with that, we’re drifting somewhere strangely elevated place inspired by someone strangely entrancing experience known as Lucy, someone (or something) key to a beautifully somewhat bizarre dream.
“Dive Slow” shares a bit of a nod to the name of the record, and subsequently serves as a binding agent and crown atop the record’s head on several levels. Adrian’s vocals play with distance and presence in ways that blend genres and expectations. The rich, gorgeously balanced guitar tones carry a playful tension from intro through to the end of the first explosive chorus, the drum fills pulling their weight with ease and finesse. By the time the bridge hits, the distorted, melodically satisfying split chords on guitar release that tension while kicking the building power back to the toms, a well-placed silence with just Aidan’s voice to hook our attention. Before you know it, you’re full speed ahead to the end and catching yourself starting the song all the way over.
In a bit of a meander from the other tracks, “Talk” carries the sound as a track more along a reminiscent vein of Silversun Pickups, Pearl Jam, with hints of Basement influences. Equipped with vocal harmonies and a steady downstroke strumming on an anchoring riff dances across an unassuming and open beginning. Before you know it, cuts of striking yet smooth lead riffs and a disheartening voice memo before a wall of sound to bring the sound home stitch the lyrics together in a sobering way of finality: “I wanna talk to you.”
Closing it out, “Nature’s Tune” reminisces of home with a specific someone in mind, the kick drum a subtle heartbeat all too familiar with a painful worthwhile memory. “I feel the leaves beneath my feet, unwashed and incomplete. You look so different out here; I can see your light so clear, the beauty in you.” The gorgeous and full pads, the reversed sounds that carry your mind back while he sings of breathing out and breathing in. This track is a beautiful goodbye as you close out of the Diving experience.
Overall, each of the seven songs is a cohesive yet independent part of artist Aidan Leclaire’s work throughout Diving. It stretches a world of vast emotion, musicianship, performance without hesitancy, and a gorgeous amalgamation of alt rock genres that hone in Aidan’s story in a way that feels as natural as they do hard hitting.
“This album has been the most expansive work that we have done. From the number of different recording engineers and producers to the scope of involvement by the band members in shaping the songs, this has been the most professional collaboration and the most fulfilling journey to produce a collection of songs.” – Aidan Leclaire
Written by Samson Winsor
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