AIMING – The Legend EP

It’s been an exciting start to the year for the Blackjack Illuminist label. Key releases have been widely lauded. Not least the debut single from AIMING which you might remember I reviewed at the start of January. Well now the wait is finally over—AIMING’s debut EP, The Legend, has arrived. Following the buzz surrounding their single ‘Brainiac’, released earlier this month, the York-based trio of David, Jordan, and Laurie has delivered a stunning four-track collection that cements their status as one of the most exciting new acts on the shoegaze and post-punk scene.

Let’s dive into each track and unpack what makes this debut such a cracker.

If you’ve been spinning ‘Brainiac’ since its release, you’ll already know how captivating this opener is. The combination of wall-of-sound guitars, lo-fi synths, and harmony-laden vocals immediately sets the tone for the EP. The lyrical themes of small-town anxiety and yearning for escape resonate deeply, while the lush instrumentation creates an irresistible pull. It’s no surprise that this track was chosen as the lead single; it encapsulates everything AIMING excels at and leaves you eager for more.

The title track takes things to a more expansive and atmospheric level. Building slowly from a shimmering guitar line, the song unfolds into a swirling haze of sound, punctuated by haunting vocal harmonies. The track’s structure feels almost cinematic, with dynamic shifts that ebb and flow like waves, pulling the listener deeper into its lush, immersive world. It’s a masterclass in creating mood and tension, and it solidifies AIMING’s ability to craft intricate, layered compositions.

‘At Sea’ is the emotional core of the EP, offering a moment of introspection and vulnerability. The track begins with delicate, reverb-soaked guitars that evoke a sense of solitude and longing. As the song progresses, subtle synth textures and a pulsing bassline emerge, adding depth without overpowering the intimate atmosphere. The lyrics speak to themes of uncertainty and self-discovery, making it a deeply resonant piece that lingers long after it end

Closing the EP, ‘Docile’ brings a burst of energy while maintaining the dreamlike quality that runs throughout The Legend. The interplay between the driving rhythm section and ethereal guitars creates a sense of urgency, while the layered vocals add an almost choral feel. The track feels like a triumphant conclusion, balancing the introspection of earlier songs with a forward momentum that hints at the band’s bright future. By the time it fades out, you’re left wanting to hit repeat and experience the journey all over again.

The Legend showcases AIMING’s ability to blend dreamy textures with driving energy, creating a soundscape that feels both expansive and intimate. Recorded, produced, and mixed by the band in David’s home studio in York, the EP offers a cohesive sonic journey that’s as immersive as it is emotionally resonant.

With The Legend, AIMING has crafted a debut EP that’s as ambitious as it is cohesive. The band’s influences are clear—shoegaze giants like Slowdive and post-punk legends like The Cure—but they’ve managed to carve out a sound that’s distinctly their own. The interplay of driving basslines, ethereal guitars, and rich harmonies creates a listening experience that’s both immediate and endlessly rewarding.

If you’re a fan of atmospheric, genre-blurring music, The Legend is an essential listen. AIMING has set the bar incredibly high for what’s to come, and I can’t wait to see where they go next.

The Legend EP is out on Friday 7th February on vinyl, CD, cassette and download via the Blackjack Illuminist Bandcamp page and the AIMING Bandcamp page.

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