Some people live in worlds very much of their own design often surrounding themselves with other creative people of similar mindsets. The trio that makes up Iran; consisting of singer/multi-instrumentalist Aaron Aites, singer/guitarist Kyp Malone (TV on the Radio) and guitarist Aaron Romanello is one of these unique meeting of the minds between a group that sets its own rules and envisions their world and music in their own way.
Conceived in San Francisco in 1998, Iran began as the four-track bedroom-recording project of Aites. Playing most of the instruments himself and recruiting friends as needed, Aites released Iran's self-titled debut in 2000. The album showcased Aites' talent for balancing pop melodies with noise and tape hiss. The result was a sound like a more approachable Dead C, or like a throwback to the lo-fi early-'90s sound of Pavement, Smog, and Sebadoh. In Iran’s 2003 sophomore release the more straightforward album Moon Boys was still unyieldingly experimental, yet allowed listeners to find brilliant melodies underneath an aching grace and warmth. The album shows the band as multi-faceted; they have their noisy, indie-rock sound and it is beautifully abrasive.
Iran’s latest release Dissolver was produced by Dave Sitek as a concept album: “a sonic postcard from the edge penned by a man working through the social construction of identity and his place in the world”. While holding onto all the fundamentals Dissolver emerges boldly new and refreshing with a greater focus on lyrics. More “fleshed out”, says Aites. Songs like “Buddy” and “Can I Feel What” are prime examples of old meeting new with beautiful harmonies and fuzzed out guitar coming together perfectly. “I Already Know You’re Wrong” is almost Beach Boys inspired with a great surf groove with a similar vocal rhythm and again, great harmonies. Think Guided by Voices or Ziggy Stardust era Bowie. Overall, Dissolver has developed a cleaner sound than what is found in early Iran, but it still manages to celebrate its newfound pop sensibilities while maintaining some lo-fi cred.
Aaron sadly passed away on April 28th 2016. He is remembered by his loved ones & fans.
Miss you Aaron.
All Songs Written by Aaron Aites except:
#3 - Aaron Aites , Pete Hoffman
#5 - Aaron Aites, Kyp Malone
#9 - Aaron Aites, Kyp Malone, Pete Hoffman
Produced by: David Sitek, Billy Pavone & Iran.
Engineered & mixed by: Billy Pavone
Buddy EP - Kevin Bartley
Dissolver Mastering Engineer: Sarah Register
Art Direction/Concept: Audrey Ewell
Graphic Design: Kevin Rolly
Photos of Aaron: Rico Gaqliano
Photos of Kyp: Audrey Ewell
Cover and inside layout: Tim Parrott
Additional Musicians: Nate Smith(Drums), Ray Ketchum(Drums), Brian Pearl(Wurlitzer, Piano), David Sitek(Wurlitzer), Billy Pavone(Percussion), Alex Aldi(Organ)
Thanks to everybody who helped us, inspired us and kept us alive during the recording of this album.
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