by kevin diamond
It’s a rare treat when you find a song that succeeds not because it’s hip or poppy or ironic or slick or catchy, but because it is, down to its bones, a perfect song. That’s the way I feel about Air Waves’ “Shine On,” and it’s such a refreshing feeling that I find my self grasping to it like a life raft, hoping it doesn’t float away.
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I had heard the song before; I’ve heard most of Air Waves’ stuff before, both live and recorded. And I had always appreciated the sparseness of arrangement, the strength of Nicole’s songwriting, the timbre of her voice. But, as is often the way with music, for some reason, this past week, “Shine On” sought me out. It took me by the lapels and shook me, and demanded to be taken in fully.
| The song hangs by a thread from a pretty, melancholic melody, supported by whistful melodica, determined guitar strumming and simple, restrained drums. The lyrics are heartbreaking and yet reassuring, and delivered with an unmatched earnestness that’s rare in the current music scene. And all the while, not a drop of schmaltz are preciousness to be found. … The rest of Air Waves’ catalog is no less impressive. In a Brooklyn scene dominated by men (and a few women) making noisy, distorted, lo-fi, reverb-drenched noise, Nicole (the leader and soul of the band) is not afraid to write simple, gorgeous tunes that stand alone, bare bones, no frills. It’s a testament to her talents as a songwriter and as a performer that each songs succeeds. |
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It’s hard to imagine that there’s any goodness in this world if Air Waves doesn’t break big time. Dan Deacon has already espoused their talents in a Pitchfork interview. But I worry that this may always be a bands’ band — a group whose immense talent is only ever recognized by other musicians. But I pray that I’m wrong, and listen to “Shine On” for the millionth time.
One Comment
Thank you for writing about air waves! I hope they do make it very big. They should be much bigger then the trendy bands of today.