About six months ago I was checking out purevolume.com while I was bored and sitting at the computer at my dorm. A mere chance moment allowed me to stumble upon the band Idiot Pilot. At first I just assumed they were another post hardcore/screamo band that dabbled into electronica, (as the only song I heard was "To Buy a Gun"), but I eventually realized that this band is more electronica than post hardcore.
A lot has been said about this band, and for the most part it's a good thing for music. Idiot Pilot making music that's decidedly different from what's been topping the charts and blends a lot of different styles of music that will bend the casual music listener's ideas of what an album is supposed to sound like.
Strange We Should Meet Here is Idiot Pilot's re-release of their indie debut, now with the monetary support of Reprise Records. Michael Harris and Daniel Anderson have obvious influences that blend together seamlessly. Harris has crooning vocals along the lines of Thom Yorke (Radiohead), Dave Gahan (Depeche Mode) and perhaps even Daniel Johns (Silverchair) with added screams here and there. The screams add a depth and sound that is more unique to Idiot Pilot as most electronica usually shies away from abrasive vocals, though the screams may be a major turn off for some. Anderson seems to be a young Moby as he plays virtually all the instruments on the album and puts together all the programming.
Idiot Pilot puts together a great blend of programming, rock and ethereal overtones that make a unique experience. Hardcore moments, acoustic guitars, Nintendo-like ditties, disjointed melodies with staccatos and even a rap all make appearances and rarely do such elements feel forced. At times the screams seem to come out of nowhere and do not fit the mood of the song, "Open Register," is a perfect example as its acoustic and piano driven melody is broken up between the verse and chorus with an unfit scream. The rap earlier mentioned ("Militance Prom") may be more along the lines of Linkin Park than a more legitimate rap artist, but it is nice to see a band try something when the music seems to warrant it.
Harris and Anderson have an obvious vision in their music and show volumes of maturity for such young men. Strange We Should Meet Here has a good overall feel with many interesting sounds and feels. It shows an enormous amount of possible potential for the band and I for one am excited to see what they make next.
3/4
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