Their first record, Terrible Things Happen was released in 1998 receiving glowing reviews in CMJ, The Big Takeover, and numerous indiepop zines, earning enough of a following to generate a tour of Japan in April 1999. Terrible Things Happen (as would the all of the Aislers Set music) was recorded in Linton’s tiny basement studio on an analog 8 track machine.
Spin.com named the band's second album The Last Match to its Top 20 of 2000, saying, "Linton has cleared the cobwebs off the Pop conundrum and dolled them up in a perfect dress." On Salon.com, Greil Marcus wrote, "They make dream pop feel as easy to make as a can of soup, and as dangerous: Watch that jagged edge." High praise followed in the New York Times, NME, Gear, and Alternative Press, and the band set out on lengthy tours supporting acts such as Sleater Kinney and Bratmobile.
In the spring of 2001 the band set off on a three week tour of Europe which was highlighted by an invitation to record a session for legendary British DJ John Peel, they recorded 4 tracks for the show which was aired twice by Peel. He said of the band “If you were in one of your difficult moods you could argue that there are lots of bands making that kind of noise particularly in the United States of America. And you'd say well, why are Aislers Set better than any of the others and I'd have to say, well I don't know they just sort of are..."
In 2002 the band was invited by Belle and Sebastian for a week long tour of the East Coast, culminating in a show at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom in front of over 3000 people. Stevie Jackson of Belle and Sebastian was later quoted in a 2003 SF Weekly article saying that "They are one of the best groups in America as far as I'm concerned".
Late in 2002, The San Francisco Chronicle included The Aislers Set in its list of "Young Artists on the Verge", writing: "The Aislers Set's reinvention of '60s pop resurrects walls of garage guitars and rich, Spector-esque sound, insouciance combined with insightful lyrics. But this quintet makes the past feel contemporary, borrowing from punk and pop to create a 21st century cool sound".
The Aislers Set third album “How I Learned to Write Backwards” came out in the spring of 2003 with critical praise all around. NME wrote “Sleighbells, Cuban trumpets, half-inched Smiths lyrics and chasms of lovely echo all add to an insomnia-like reverie that clings on long after its mere half-hour is up”. “When The Aislers Set hit their mark, they unveil a knack for tying together extremes without ever settling for the middle ground” said MOJO magazine. Pitchfork Media summed up the 2003 version of The Aislers Set: “Here, Linton's indie quintet becomes a pop orchestra. The band's music is denser than ever before, laden with sleigh bells, handclaps and horns piled atop the conventional guitars, drums, bass and keyboards-- and all are drenched in cavernous reverb, providing the ambiance and intimacy of a gigantic, empty concert hall”.
The band toured for most of 2003 including a month long stint supporting Yo La Tengo and a week supporting The Shins.
Since late 2003 the band has been on hiatus with Linton having moved to New York City and Cusick moving to Gothenburg, Sweden.
Hit The Snow
The Aislers Set Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Went up to the New York border
Been following? lines, honey
And I hit the snow
I found where my faith lies
Wrapped up like a small novella
Been taped by a hundred pictures
I walked in a straight line
Went up to the New York border
Been following? lines, honey
And I hit the snow
The Aislers Set's Hit The Snow appears to be a song about finding oneself amid the challenges of life. The lyrics are crafted in a way that creates a sense of journey, as the singer walks in a straight line toward the New York border, seemingly searching for something. The lines that they have been following are not clear, but they offer some direction. The singer ultimately hits the snow, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for hitting a difficult obstacle, perhaps one that they didn't anticipate. However, this doesn't stop them. Instead, they find where their faith lies and are comforted by memories captured in a small novella and pictures of the people they hold dear.
The song conveys an introspective sense of exploration, as if the singer is seeking something significant that can only be found within themselves. It's a feeling that most people can relate to, as we all have moments where we feel lost or uncertain. The Aislers Set does an excellent job of capturing this feeling by using poetic language and evocative imagery.
Line by Line Meaning
I walked in a straight line
I was determined and focused on my journey, not deviating from my path.
Went up to the New York border
I traveled north until I reached the border of New York for a new adventure.
Been following? lines, honey
I have been following invisible, metaphorical lines in my pursuit of purpose.
And I hit the snow
I encountered obstacles and challenges, represented by the harshness and unpredictability of the snow.
I found where my faith lies
I discovered my beliefs and values, giving me direction and grounding me in my journey.
Wrapped up like a small novella
My newfound understanding of faith was deeply personal and intimate, like a small but meaningful story.
Been taped by a hundred pictures
My memories of people and experiences have left a lasting impression and helped shape my beliefs.
All of you, oh
Everyone and everything I have encountered has contributed to my journey and understanding of faith.
Contributed by Avery B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.