Ambient bands are tough to review. Since there’s not really a defining characteristic of the genre to review, there’s not anything that’s a standby to critique by. If a band is very smooth and pretty, but also dynamic in their ambient, it’s Sigur Ros comparisons. If a band is completely melodic and soothing, Album Leaf comparisons. If it’s got a lot of instrumentation, Explosions in the Sky or Godspeed You Black Emperor! comparisons. If it’s mysterious but not extremely drawn out, Broken Social Scene comparisons.

I heard Aya Brea, and I automatically thought Sigur Ros. They have that smooth, light, gliding feel that eventually turns into a driving sound, and they do it quite well. The melodies are solid, the mood (as it is with all good ambient) is enough to cut through anything that could’ve been going on during the day. It’s very, very soothing. Definitely a band to watch for in the near future. Good job, Aya Brea.