“Because of what’s going on with social media right now, everyone’s always on their phones. People need to get back to reality sometimes,” he says. The video shot for the song is ripe with themes of isolation in the modern world, though Palomeque adds, “We meant it to be a bit of an uplifting song.”
With an EP and a full-length already under their belt, Aural Window have been able to grow exponentially as a band in the past few years. Palomeque believes that their upcoming EP may contain some of their best work yet. When asked if Stones and Sounds is indicative of the band’s growing need to tell stories within their songs, Palomeque hints they’re simply becoming more comfortable with themselves.
“I think as we’ve grown as a band from the first two EPs, it’s all more involved now. We all have different stories and (lead vocalist Sheena Young) is certainly getting more involved in the lyrics.”
Young is certainly open to hearing ideas from the band when it comes to lyrics.
“Everyone’s open to conversation,” adds Palomeque. “There’s a lot that goes into it and there’s a lot that doesn’t.”
Though the band have managed to gig and record fairly consistently since their inception six years ago, January 2011 was the month that truly tested the band and introduced them to some of the harsher realities of the music industry. Aural Window embarked on an American tour, their debut performances overseas. The trip delivered many new fans for the band, despite having many shows cancelled thanks to the work of a shady promoter. Palomeque however maintains a positive frame of mind looking back on the trip, insisting that it helped the band much more than it harmed them.
“That tour gave us a lot more fans, exposure and some great experiences playing to a ton of people. And then some not so great experiences playing to maybe five people. It was great for us though, because we learned to never expect anything.”
Despite the smallish crowds at some performances, one gig in particular sticks out as a highlight for Palomeque. And it was one that reminded them how important musicianship is to Aural Windows.
“When we played Whiskey A Go-Go, the famous club on Hollywood Boulevard, we didn’t necessarily think that we’d made it, but we knew it was a good step for us. There’s so much history at that venue and it all just made is want to play better.”
Away from burdens of smartphones and constant connection, Palomeque and Aural Window have carved out their own niche and have begun to flesh out a sound to call their own. Stones And Sounds represents a maturity for the band, not only lyrically, but sonically as well.
“We’re just into writing songs that people can sing-a-long to and that people can remember. Compared to the other EPs, with this new one we wanted to get heavier but really write some catchy melodies. And I think we did that.”
BY JOSHUA KLOKE
