Algebra opens with the title track that featured on their previous single Spirit of the Beehive. Opening with guitars and drums before the vocals begin, Airship reveal what they do best: vocals and a mix of guitar, drums, that combine to produce uplifting songs. Defiantly worth checking out the vid to this one.
Always Awake is, in my opinion, the ‘heaviest’ song that Airship have made yet; bass and drum create a deep rhythm that is present in large amounts throughout the song, whilst the guitar makes the sounds that Airship usually do. Lyrically it’s uplifting and questioning at the same time: imaginative, but isn’t out of place with the music. Throughout the song though, I can’t help but want the lighter, more poppy sounds of ‘Spirit of the Beehive’ to break through, but they never quite do. Always Awake is the most average song on the EP and feels a little out of place compared to the music that Airship usually make and being in between ‘Spirit Party’ and ‘Algebra’ on the EP makes it less memorable.
Spirit Party feels like the strongest song on the EP: it’s certainly the most enjoyable. Musically its what you’d expect from Airship: poppy and upbeat but with vocals that are the most striking aspect of Airship – they certainly don’t disappoint. Shouty backing vocals and drums work well together and I find myself shouting out ‘lets have a spirit party!’ whenever I listen, it really is that infectious.
Go To Sleep is a haunting song with few lyrics. This defiantly feels like the weakest song on the EP and acts as an outro track. Considering the lively nature of the rest of the EP having an outro track seems like a good idea, but just seems to waste the momentum of Spirit Party.
Algebra is a solid release from Airship, very much feeling like the second half of Spirit of the Beehive. Its not particularly flawless, but its an enjoyable listen and is packed with emotion conveyed through well crafted lyrics. Airship are showing a lot of promise, having already supported Editors and Frightened Rabbit. They are currently touring to support the release of Algebra, which is available on iTunes now.
