Aedon are a German alternative rock band who have just come to my attention through the release of their second EP. Though only three tracks long, it packs a lot in, exploring themes of friendship, love, loss and world-weariness.

By Graeme Smith

Formed in 2015, Aedon are Simon Gatzka on vocals and guitar, Maximilian Krüger on guitar and backing vocals, Stephan Nabbefeld on drums and Alexander Dachwitz on bass and backing vocals. They’re named for the mythological Greek goddess, a name which translates in English as ‘nightingale’.

Their new EP Raise Your Voice, produced by giants of the German music scene Peter Keller and Bertram Engel, is one that hits hard right from the off. Title track and single Raise Your Voice opens stripped-back and subtle and with a heightened sense of emotion. Smooth, soulful vocals come in, leading a wave of soft, cinematic rock before we arrive as a pleading crescendo.

Change This World takes things in a darker direction with a moody, atmospheric arrangement. The bass is ponderous and guitars hypnotic while the vocals deliver an intense performance. When we get to the chorus, the riffs get heavy, giving us a rousing shot in the arm (and ear).

Gentle Rain rounds things off with a dramatic sting in the tale. A bold, brash intro gets right into it before we are treated to a light and acoustic first verse. Things ramp back up for the chorus where Simon’s vocals leave it all out there. It’s a powerful rock ballad that will break even the hardest of hearts.

Raise Your Voice is a well-crafted EP with a lot to say. There’s no doubting the quality of performance on display by Aedon, and its mix of genre, and use of rise and fall, make the collection feel bigger than it really is without ever becoming uninteresting.

You can give the EP a listen below.