Pilotdrift have been making quite a name for themselves over the past year. In the thriving metropolis of Texarkana, TX, this experimental pop quintet has been on the road with the Polyphonic Spree, which has definitely rubbed off on the band. In fact, if the Spree decided to drop the strings, choir and horns, the end result might be something very similar to Pilotdrift. The main similarities come down to creating atmospheres, utilizing diverse sounds to create a cinematic musical experience. Water Sphere, their second release (and their first with Good Records Recordings), is made up of the musical version of puzzle pieces. As you go track by track, each song is completely different, ranging from orchestral prog rock to stripped down indie rock tunes. It is when you step back and view the album as a whole that all the individual pieces creates one body of work. The album begins with “Caught In My Trap”, which sounds like something you might hear in a rock & roll remake of Phantom Of The Opera. This song is triumphantly dramatic, telling a story both musically and lyrically. Pilotdrift simmers down a bit with the jazzy boss nova flavored “Bubblecraft”, which could have easily appeared during an old-school James Bond love scene. Yeah, this could be an indie music lovers’ top make-out jam of 2005. One of my personal favorites is the simple pop track “Passenger Seat”, which pushes most of the theatrics aside, leaving behind a song filled with handclaps, bubbling keyboard lines and a head-nodding melody that will appeal to fans of bands ranging from Air to Stereolab. “Jekyll & Hyde Suite” sounds like the f’ed up soundtrack to a Tim Burton film, especially one like The Nightmare Before Christmas, as they definitely pay homage to Danny Elfman. Their musical depth shines brightly on the beautiful instrumental “Comets”, as floating choral melodies soar over twinkling keys and fragile acoustic guitars. The album ends with the ambitious “So Long”, combining pretty much all of the separate musical ideas found throughout the entire album. Although this is not one of the easiest albums to digest, Pilotdrift have given us an album that challenges our ideas of what makes a good rock record. Water Sphere is a fascinating blend of moods, textures and genres, which will hopefully inspire other groups to take a chance with their music and push the boundaries of rock music even further. See… creativity and experimentation can be ok!

Pilotdrift
Good Records Recordings

1. Good Records Expands Their Roster With Pilotdrift
2. Pilotdrift Snag Opening Spot For Supergrass
3. Check Out New Alkaline Trio, Hot Water Music MP3s
4. Secretly Canadian’s Roster Grows With Bodies Of Water
5. Alkaline Trio / Hot Water Music Split Up