Indie music has been on the rise for some time now and for many is a welcome change from the cheesy radio-friendly pop that fills the airwaves on a regular basis. Aer, the duo of Carter Schultz and David Von Mering, are one of a growing number of artists focussing their time and energies on indie, fun music that the masses will love, and, on the back of this new collection, it may just be that they’re the best band to do so this year.

By creating an album that mixes pop, rock, R&B and even, perhaps surprisingly, some reggae, from the moment opening number  “Intro” kicks in, even without any vocal, the rhythm that begs to have toes tapped along to presents a strong indication that what follows is going to make for thoroughly fun listening. That rhythm keeps going through title track “One Of A Kind” and although the vocal performance is a bit strange, good luck fighting the urge to sway along.

The rap featured within “Keep You Here” won’t be liked by everyone, but the energy that comes through thanks to the tracks’ great production means it certainly isn’t bad and nor is “Position” but it does come across as one of the ‘weaker’ numbers, and I use that term loosely as those who check it out will no doubt have heard a lot worse.

“I Can’t Help It” is an Aer version of a love song, but anyone expecting a ballad should look elsewhere. Instead, the track mixes a jazz undertone with a dance beat – it shouldn’t work but, oddly enough, it does. The minute long interlude titled “Colors In The Sky” keeps said rhythm going, so it’s a bit unfortunate that the piece isn’t longer.

“I’m so Gone”, together with “Island” and “Make Do” focusses on the reggae side of things– crank this while taking a drive with your friends and you’ll have a blast, just be sure to resist from throwing your hands in the air if you’re driving – while “Trust Fund” struggles ever so slightly to maintain the energy level, although it deserves to be enjoyed by those who give it a listen.

In closing with “The Rain”, Aer switch tack and deliver the only acoustic number of the entire collection. It makes for a stark contrast to what has gone before, but by ensuring the soulful undertone remains firmly in place, it also presents itself as one of the strongest, if not THE strongest number on the album, and as a result, leaves listeners wanting more.

Presenting an album jam packed with catchy rhythms, great instrumentation and strong vocal performances, Aer have created a collection that ultimately is fun and enjoyable to listen to. It’s a shame that the summer is all but over as it’d make a perfect soundtrack to chilling on a beach with an ice cold beverage, but that sentiment aside, One Of A Kind makes for happy listening regardless

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