‘Proximity’ was the second local release from central Wisconsin melodic rockers Airkraft.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: Airkraft
ALBUM: Proximity
LABEL: Ark Records
SERIAL: ARK 5602
YEAR: 1985
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
LINEUP: Dave Saindon – vocals, guitars * Mitch Viegut – guitars, backing vocals * Peter Phippen – bass, backing vocals * Dave Roli – keyboards, backing vocals * Ace Gyro – drums
TRACK LISTING: 01 Radio Rock * 02 Man In The Mirror (He’s Not The Same) * 03 Love Is Real * 04 245 * 05 Come Right Back * 06 How Was I To Know * 07 Make Believe * 08 Riot * 09 Communication (So Much To Say) * 10 Storybook Love
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Airkraft Background
‘Proximity’ was the second local release from central Wisconsin melodic rockers Airkraft. Outside of Wisconsin and parts of the mid west, Airkraft were still well below the radar of national recognition.
This would gradually change over time, as they gigged hard and put themselves out there. To help the cause, their music was being heard on local radio stations. Notwithstanding the release of LP’s, if only locally at this point, plus at gigs too.
The band lineup saw one change with drummer Ace Gyro taking on the role full time from Michael Wood.
The Songs
‘Radio Rock’ is racy, the guitars and keyboards make for a good tag team. Swindon sounds similar to Dennis Churchill-Dries (White Sister) in parts.
‘Man In The Mirror (He’s Not The Same)’ heads down a pomp rock pathway. This is due to the abundant use of keyboards. It’s a bit like Prism meeting Styx.
‘Love Is Real’ heads toward the balladry ballroom. I’m not really a fan of these types of songs, but it’s good for what it is. The extended keyboard solo was a highlight.
‘245’ is a bouncy buoyant tune, but I’m not really sure what its motive was. It jumps around a bit.
Ironically, the next track ‘Come Right Back’ is exactly 2 min 45s. Probably a coincidence. I like this one. The vocal harmonies on the chorus are superb.
‘Make Believe’ is the album’s second ballad. This one has a bit more going for it. More energy and a lift at chorus and solo time in particular.
With a song title like ‘Riot’, it sounds like it was lifted from an 80’s action flick. Hard not to get that impression upon listening to this.
‘Communication (So Much To Say)’ takes the mid tempo route. Here, Dave Saindon sounds like Max Bacon, previously of Bronz and GTR
‘Storybook Love’ with its quirky musicbox keys drifts into art rock territory. More by accident than design I’d suggest. Fans of progressive pop might also be interested.
In Summary
Despite not being active with recorded output between 1986-1988, Airkraft kept busy. They returned to the scene in 1989 with their third self titled local release. ‘In The Red’ followed in 1990, gaining a nationwide release in 1991 via Curb Records.
I’ve found a YTM link of the album. The audio is very scratchy in places, but the music is good. Oh, it’s also missing one song ‘How Was I To Know’.
Airkraft on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
