alt-J has done it again — another of album overriding any low expectations set for this small band from Leeds.
The British indie-rock group has produced groundbreaking “folktronica” and art rock since their 2012 breakout album “An Awesome Wave.” Some have gone as far as to call alt-J the “new Radiohead,” helping the band generate a strong cult following.
Though this link may seem a stretch, alt-J has indeed done something special, and their second album “This Is All Yours” proves the band will outlast its original 15 minutes of fame.
alt-J offers strong visuals — trippy, thoughtful lyrics form landscapes and return to make-believe worlds such as “Taro” and “Nara,” first introduced in “An Awesome Wave.” The stories of these invented spheres are told through hypnotic music and sounds.
The first single off the album, “Hunger of the Pine,” shows listeners alt-J has not strayed too far from the electronica-laced, folk-alternative sound of their first album. It makes heavy use of electric keyboard and builds up in tempo throughout the track, backed by violin and acoustic guitar. Joe Newman’s smooth, liquidated voice comes into play, going from practically a whisper to soft lyrics sung like a lullaby.
This song establishes the mood of the entire album. The second single, “Left Hand Free,” brings the group’s more upbeat side back into play. Heavier use of drums and guitar, along with musical interludes of keyboard and synth blasts, work through the track. “Left Hand Free” has a Black Keys-esque feel to it, complete with harmonica and trumpets — exhibiting the widest range of instrumentation on the album.
alt-J still employs the absence of lyrics on certain tracks to play up their instrumentation and production quality. “Intro” is primarily a musical piece, complemented by soft background hums from Newman. It is relaxing, refreshing and melodic. Other tracks, such as “Every Other Freckle,” have euphoric musical interludes, and beats which reward repeat listens.
Newman sensually delivers lyrics describing sexual desire for a woman of another world — perhaps of Nara — while accompanied by an electric guitar and keyboard, accentuating every tantalizing line. The band finishes the album the same way it started — regarding the mystical, musical world of Nara in a track sensibly entitled “Leaving Nara.” This strong, layered piece transitions into a minute of silence, leaving the listener to sit and absorb the musical journey they just went on.
alt-J’s music truly seems like something from another world. Blending folk rock, electronica, indie rock and other mysterious blends, the band seems to have created a whole new genre. “This Is All Yours” is sure to be among the most interesting and memorable indie albums of 2014.
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