Aerial EP by Tom Budden: A Deep Dive into Electronic Bliss
Man, oh man, if you're even remotely into that deep house vibe, Aerial EP by Tom Budden is one of those gems that'll just grab ya and not let go. Released back in 2015 on ALiVE Recordings (shoutout to the UK for keepin’ the electronic scene alive!), this little EP punches way above its weight. It’s only got three tracks—Want To Go Back, Aerial, and Neutronic—but damn, each one feels like its own little journey.
Let me tell ya about Want To Go Back. This track? Pure nostalgia wrapped up in beats. From the first few seconds, it pulls at something in your chest, like a memory you can’t quite place but know was good. The bassline is smooth as hell, kinda hypnotic, while these soft synths float around like they’re teasing you. There’s no big drop or flashy moment—it doesn’t need it. It’s more like a warm hug from someone you haven’t seen in years. You don’t wanna leave the feeling behind. Honestly, I kept replaying this track late at night when everything else felt too loud or messy. If music could whisper, this would be it.
Then there’s Aerial. Oh boy, THIS ONE. Picture yourself standing on a rooftop at sunset, city lights starting to blink awake. That’s what this track does to you. It builds so gently, layer by layer, until suddenly you’re surrounded by this rich, atmospheric groove. The melody has this dreamy quality, almost like it’s lifting you off the ground. And the rhythm? Steady enough to make you nod your head but loose enough to lose yourself in. It reminded me of those rare moments when life slows down just enough for you to catch your breath. Like… wow, yeah, THIS is why we listen to music.
I didn’t connect with Neutronic quite as much—it’s solid, sure, but it didn’t hit me in the feels like the other two did. Still, it fits perfectly into the vibe of the EP, tying everything together without overstaying its welcome.
What strikes me most about Aerial EP is how intimate it feels. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel or blow your socks off with crazy production tricks. Instead, it’s content to sit with you, quietly saying, “Hey, remember this feeling?” And honestly? We need more music like that. Music that doesn’t scream for attention but still manages to stick with you long after it ends.
Here’s the kicker though—I listened to this EP during a random Tuesday afternoon, stuck in traffic, pissed off because my coffee had spilled all over my car seat. By the time Aerial came on, I wasn’t mad anymore. Weird, right? Maybe that’s the magic of Tom Budden—he turns crappy moments into something beautiful. Or maybe he just knows how to craft tunes that feel like home. Either way, props to him.
So yeah, check out Aerial EP. Just… maybe not while driving. Unless you want to end up zoning out and missing your exit. Trust me on that one.
