With their latest release, The Airborne Toxic Event are set to ruffle a few feathers. The new single marks many firsts for the band. Its their first release since the departure of bassist Noah Harmon, the first line up change in the group’s history! Its also the first time that the band has moved away from their signature sound, and experimented with electronic elements instead. With such an established sound, it might seem more than a little “wrong” on paper. However, the band has adapted quite well, turning Wrong into a definite “right!”
The lines between EDM and Indie Rock have become increasingly blurred over the past few years, and The Airborne Toxic Event might be showing up a bit late to the party. However, after their last album proved to be their most predictable and bland, seeing them finally step outside the box is actually a bit refreshing. While many bands before them have sacrificed their foundation in order to stay current, fans can rest assured that Wrong plays exactly like classic Airborne….just, you know…with synthesizers.
In fact, Wrong plays a bit like the band’s hit All I Ever Wanted (just, you know…with synthesizers.) It begins softly, with Mikel’s vocals at a hushed falsetto, a gentle tap from the drums, and a bubbling synth courtesy of Anna. Its a soothing mid-tempo melody that soon kicks into high gear with some powerful guitars, and a shout along chorus. After a short breather for a nifty synthesizer solo, the song cranks up the energy for one final chorus that really plays up the band’s signature crowd moving energy. The end result is a romping synth-rock tune that surprises and pleases. It keeps you wanting more, without ever realizing you wanted it in the first place!
Final Score: 4/5
Playlistology 