Airport City Express: The Driving Force of Modern Alt-Rock
Airport City Express is an American alternative rock band known for its propulsive rhythms and anthemic songcraft. Hailing from Chicago, the group achieved mainstream recognition with their 2018 album Transmission Received, which charted on the Billboard 200 and spawned a certified Gold single.
Early career
Formed in 2012, the quartet of vocalist/guitarist Leo Vance, guitarist Maya Chen, bassist Sam Rivera, and drummer Kris Holt initially honed their sound in Chicago's vibrant DIY venue circuit. Their self-released 2014 EP, Runway Lights, caught the attention of independent label Velvet Hammer Records, which signed the band the following year.
Breakthrough
The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2018 with their sophomore album, Transmission Received. Released via Velvet Hammer with distribution through a major label partnership, the album's lead single, Signal Fade, became a staple on alternative rock radio and was certified Gold for sales exceeding 500,000 units in the United States.
Key tracks
Signal Fade — This Gold-certified single broke the band nationally, driven by its urgent guitar riff and a chorus built for stadiums.
Midway Departure — A deeper cut from their debut album that became a fan favorite and a live set staple, showcasing their dynamic range.
Ground Control — The ambitious opening track from their 2021 album Echo Location, noted for its complex structure and lyrical themes of disconnection.
Clear for Takeoff — This high-energy track features a notable collaboration with producer and mixer Tom Lord-Alge, who sharpened their studio sound.
Static Horizon — A more recent single that highlights the band's evolution into incorporating subtle electronic textures within their rock foundation.
Following their breakthrough, Airport City Express maintained momentum with their 2021 album Echo Location. The record debuted at number 45 on the Billboard 200, solidifying their place on the modern rock landscape. They have since collaborated with artists like The Blue Stones and embarked on several successful headline tours across North America and Europe.
Fans of Airport City Express often gravitate towards similar high-energy alternative rock acts. Discover The Blue Stones for a raw, blues-inflected rock duo approach. The anthemic qualities of Royal Blood share a similar powerful, riff-centric DNA. The melodic drive of Silversun Pickups offers a complementary shoegaze-tinged alternative. For another Chicago-based rock sound, explore Local Natives and their intricate harmonies.
The music of Airport City Express maintains a strong presence on radio, frequently featured in rotations on alternative rock radio stations and modern rock FM channels. Their hits are also staples on various online rock radio streams and independent music radio stations that champion guitar-driven music.
Listeners can explore the driving alt-rock catalog of Airport City Express through the radio stations featured on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their powerful anthems and latest releases across a curated selection of stations dedicated to the best in rock music.
