Aisles in Camden Road

A RENOWNED Chilean rock band made a surprise visit to the New Journal’s offices yesterday (Wednesday) as they soaked up the atmosphere of Camden Town, writes Caitlin Maskell.

Aisles, the six-piece prog rockers from Santiago, had just finished their second UK tour, which included a stop at The Fiddlers Elbow in Chalk Farm on a journey from Southampton to Edinburgh.

Germán Vergara, who plays guitars, vocals and keyboards in the band, said Camden held a special place in their hearts.

“Most of our heroes are British bands – Yes, Genesis and Pink Floyd are amazing progressive British groups,” he said.

“Our main influences are from here, I grew up listening to Queen. There is a personal connection.

“We had a recording session at Abbey Road and for us it was very special to be there in the same building where John Lennon and McCartney were writing music and where Dark Side of the Moon [Pink Floyd] was recorded. It’s special for us – I grew up listening to British music and we have been influenced by many British bands. We have a personal feeling of achievement to be playing here.”

Band members wanted to grab a copy of Camden’s local paper as an important souvenir for their visit to a key pin on the rock’n’roll map of the world.

Keyboard player JP Gaete added: “We’re breathing history in Camden. That’s why it’s so important to be here. It’s hard to miss home being here because everything is so beautiful.”