Paul Masvidal -- vocals, guitar
Sean Reinert -- drums, shakers, tambourines)
Matthew Basile -- bass

The triumvirate of three musicians has a venerable history in modern music -- from the Bill Evans trio to The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Although Aeon Spoke shares little in common with these predecessors, the trio framework also defines their sound.

From this trinity comes a blazing synergy. Paul Masvidal's guitar is the first element. From a natural, edgy sound to feedback-drenched buzz-saw sonics he neatly sidesteps virtuoso histrionics (of which he is most certainly capable) in favor of soaring melodic lines, Wes Montgomery-inspired octaves, and dense, atmospheric colors. Second is Sean Reinert. Utilizing hand percussion and a full kit, he is a muscular powerhouse of a drummer with an uncanny sense of the groove, his back-of-the beat snare echoing the masters of Memphis and New Orleans. Bassist Basile's intuitive lines are deceptively subtle, as they slink around, suspend and support the group's aural framework.

Aeon Spoke may be a thoroughly modern band of the Emo-Rock (as in emotional) genre, but their songs -- hung on memorable hooks -- transcend style. It's sometimes difficult to separate the words and music from Masvidal's disarming honesty as a vocalist. Standing in the dim stage lights, his gaze fixed on a spot somewhere in space, his vulnerability is palpable.

On this night at the Mint, "Homosapien," featuring Masvidal's falsetto stylings and the band's deft dynamics, were standouts; the upbeat "Mink Coat" allowed a beam of light into the darkness of the set. "No Answers" best distilled the literate purity of the band, marrying an anthemic chorus to nakedly confessional verses. The opening song, "Carve" and the set-closing "Yellow Man" took Aeon Spoke full cycle, with Reinert's apocalyptic drumming and Masvidal and Basile hunched over in front of their amps, summoning shamanistic layers of sound.

For all of their melodic and lyrical darkness, it is notable that Aeon Spoke's music is ultimately about triumph. It all emanates from the soul of the songs. Paul Masvidal's lyrics magnify and mirror such candid emotions that hearing them for the first time is like reading the most intimate thoughts in somebody's diary.

Review reproduced with permission from Aeon Spoke