Texas based Aerial have started to draw attention to themselves with their recent Peter Gabriel support and CD EP, Caught Inside the Circle. With influences ranging from Michael Hedges (whose Aerial Boundaries was the inspiration behind their name) to The Sundays, Tori Amos to U2, and Sade to Depeche Mode Aerial have managed to produce a mature and positive sound that highlights the song writing duo of Julie Lange and Kell Curtis.

An interesting angle to Aerial's CD (and DVD) release is that they have chosen almost conceptual art over the usual "pretty girl singer with band in the background" cover shot. The band's music speaks, which is why such clichéd selling points have gone out the window in favour of relying on their vast compositional strengths. The group's press/promo pack is one of the best I have yet to come across. With 4-track DVD (including 2 non-EP songs), brief but informative bio and, of course, CD their professionalism alone should stand out over many other up-and-coming artists. Final word: Aerial are a great all-round band and provide a deeper crossover of pop, rock, folk and much, much more. For more information on the band, and the disc, go to their site at www.aerialband.com.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2005 Year Book Volume 3 at https://garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2005.