From Bandcamp, AVIATIONS aims to give every note meaning, and every lyric thoughtfulness. With their third full-length record "Luminaria," they are gaining new ground in refining a sound and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in Progressive Music. The album ten songs, and "Prelude" is first. It is a very pretty introduction to the album, with wonderful ambiance and charming vocal harmonies. "Cradle" is both bright and positive sounding out of the gate. The Progressive elements are strong, but a beautiful melody carries the sound forward. It is both smooth and mellow and totally invigorating at the same time.

"Safehouse" is a shot of melodic bliss. The bass and guitar work are both excellent in their own right, but when placed together, they work in a synergy that illuminates the song, and the sugary vocal harmonies are the one constant in an ever-shifting landscape. "Legend" has a harder edge to it, with harsh vocals and choppy accents. The band gets a little tighter here and expand their excellent musicianship with a dexterous display. "La Jolla" has a warmer, inviting sound, like someone handed you a cup of hot cocoa on a cold day. It's so easy to just get caught up in this catchy sound and let it whisk you away to a place you sometimes dream about.

"Pinenut" is another gorgeous offering, and at this point, I am wondering how in the hell can they do this...create one memorable song aft after another that just sticks in your head and stays with you. It's the kind of song that you can pocket and take out when you need a lift. "Pure" has rounded edges that are tepid and encouraging. It has a whimsical feeling that calms you from the inside...that fleeing feeling of peace has returned, if only for the duration of the song. "Where We've Been" is a short, introspective piano number that gives the listener pause, to spend some time thinking about their life...their choices...and the consequences. Even in a cold, dark world, this song is a beacon of light, and promise. You can't help but smile when listening to it.

"Coma" is a ten-minute opus. They invite you to marvel at how the various instruments come together along with the vocals. It's like the wonderful surprise of combining ingredients into a recipe that when you take your first bite, it just tastes sublime. Hardened, study notes are tempered with notes of purity, and affirmation, and that guitar solo is fantastic. "Blink" closes the album. The upbeat melody is there to remind you that life is good...in fact it is golden. This song is so pretty, it nearly takes my breath away. The nuances are very complicated but it's the alliance that you hear in the end...the harmony...the symbiosis.

There are many modern bands in The States that are enjoying the resurgence of Progressive Metal, but there are none like AVIATIONS. Rarely have I heard a band that is this good at both their musical prowess and their penchant for songwriting. Unlike some of their peers, they steer away from too much of a heavy bottom end which can bog the music down. Instead, they embrace melody like two old souls seeing each other for the first time in decades, and enjoying a long, heart-felt embrace. It's way past time for them to get their due, and it's past time to mention AVIATIONS with the best Progressive bands in the business, because this was a landmark album.