Airport Novels

Airport Novels have graced the pages of Tuning Fork on more than one occasion over the last year. We’ve collectively watched as the band has grown their sound, gone on tour, make some changes and now they’ve rewarded our patience and eager spectating with Honesty, a 6 track EP produced by recording industry’s renowned Kevin Gates at Engaged Audio, right here in the show-me state down in Springfield.

Right off the bat, the initial audio quality speaks for itself. For those not familiar with Kevin’s resume, he’s produced some of the most talented bands in the music industry, and is RIAA certified as a Gold Record producer. So, glazing right past that, lets dive into the album:

Track 1, “Rock Fans to Rock Stars” is a driving up-tempo introductory to the current status of the band. “stormy waters have disturbed this harbor” almost has to be in reference to the recent lineup changes for the band involving the departure of one of the founding members of the group. The song flows directly into track 2, “How I Feel” which I found to be one of the most solid on the album. The vocal trades between Ethan Black and Drew Huffman bounce back and forth seamlessly over breakneck tempos and chugging guitars. Lines like “This is the way I feel, we could have been so much. But you didn’t want me so I’ll move on” carry a continued theme of moving forward through turmoil. I found it very reminiscent of pop punk greats Hit The Lights or All Time Low, two groups I’ve loved for years. Track 3, “Mission To Mars” starts off with a very biting lyric “I’ll keep my head up, I don’t really care what you’re saying, I’m just fed up” conveying a strong conviction to maintain forward progress no matter the circumstances thrown at you. I believe this song is mostly in regards to maintaining a difficult long distance relationship. It also has a darker, more brooding tone than the first two tracks on the ep. It was very reminiscent of old MEST, and again the chorus hook has a very ATL feel. Track 4, “Breaking Down” is a very stripped down acoustic tune, showcasing the raw vocal ability of front man Ethan Black. It is followed by the band’s first single release “Promises” is a gut wrenching tale of a man left behind by a lover who couldn’t commit to a serious entanglement. You can hear this track on 96.5’s “Homegrown Buzz” segment on Sunday nights by request. The EP is rounded out by track 6, “Crack Yer Neck” a breakdown filled, double kick laden post hardcore/pop punk tune in the vien of great bands like Four Year Strong and Set Your Goals.

Overall, this EP is by far my favorite release of the last few years in our market. Bands like The Victory Lap and Mayview in the KC market have come close with a similar sound, but in this writer’s opinion, Airport Novels have absolutely nailed it with their release of “Honesty”

Couple you cant miss: 2 – How I Feel
5 – Promises - Tuning Fork Magazine

Kansas City pop-punk foursome Airport Novels has announced a run of U.S. tour dates. Set to kick-off later this month, the tour will bring the band down the east coast with a final stop in Arkansas on June 16th.

Check out the full list of dates and locations on the flyer below.

Airport Novels last released a 6-track EP titled Honesty on March 9, 2015. It is available to stream on Bandcamp. - Dying Scene

Oh man these guys are good! Kansas City pop-punk outfit Airport Novels are currently streaming “Natalie By Nature” and the title track off their upcoming EP Highway Lines. If you’re into fast-infectious-catchy pop-punk you might want to give the songs a listen and check out the music video for “Highway Lines” below.

Airport Novels hasn’t provide a release date for the EP yet but we’ll get back to you as soon as we have more details about it. - Dying Scene

Kansas City pop-punk outfit Airport Novels have released their debut EP entitled “Honesty” and also made it available to stream in its entirety.

Check it out below.

The band last released a 2-track demo last year which is available for free download on Bandcamp. - Dying Scene