Acoustic folk projects are rarely able to sustain themselves for more than one album (read: Thayer Cabin).  In fact, already established bands generally use the acoustic card just to change things up a little (Dornenreich’s In Luft Geritzt comes to mind).  Even an acoustic minded project like Nechochwen has to adapt to some degree to gain a metal audience.  All of this is what faces the one man acoustic project Aerial Ruin.  At the very least, there is already high praise for the project from members of Agalloch, which only serve to raise expectations even higher, especially with a new album out in Valleys of the Earth.

Aerial Ruin is the project of Erik Moggridge, who has been in bands such as Old Grandad and Epidemic, so you would expect some influences from those bands to seep into his acoustic project.  Those familiar with Old Grandad will likely notice sounds familiar with the band on Aerial Ruin, if the sounds were slowed considerably.  In many ways, the vocals do sound like a grandfather telling a story, like on “A Twist in the Chain,” which works perfectly with an acoustic project such as the one Moggridge has.  Production values are done to replicate the old-time sound that one would experience when playing music on a record player, which furthers the unique atmosphere that Aerial Ruin makes for itself.  Much of the music on the album is solely from the acoustic guitar (with a few effects here and there that don’t take away from the overall sound, as evidenced by “Sacraments”) and would feel at home sitting next to a campfire or in an old cabin in the woods.  Because much of the music is acoustic guitar, there is also not much room for variety, which is where the extra effects help in adding a sense of identity to the individual songs such as “Stnemarcas” and “Sacraments.”  The pace in which the album proceeds may be off-putting to some listeners, as it is quite slow and deliberate, but it is clear that Valleys of the Earth was made for a relaxing night at home or as background music. 

Aerial Ruin, like many acoustic projects, is best enjoyed with an open mind and a relaxed atmosphere.   Aside from a couple of tracks, most of Valleys of the Earth is a calm, relaxing album that could just as easily be mistaken for a 60’s folk album.  Those who seek technical complexities should skip Aerial Ruin, but for those who seek a change of pace or even something simple to get into should look into Valleys of the Earth.

TRACK LISTING

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*Comments:

1.  Amends
2.  Genesis
3.  Earthen
4.  Lonely of Need
5.  The Twist in the Chain
6.  Sacraments
7.  Hammer
8.  Saint Yesterday
9.  Psalm
10.  Stnemarcas
11.  This Place

Total playing time:  45:39

Release Date: April 26, 2011
Label: Vendlus Records

Aerial Ruin - Valleys of the Earth

Reviewer: Peter

April 13, 2011