Genre: Alternative
Year: 2014
Label: Infectious Records
In 2007, four lads from Leeds, England got together and
started a band; a seemingly simple decision like all other talented groups. With
the musical creativity like Fleet Foxes and intricate vocals like no other, the
group, Alt-J, dropped An Awesome Wave
that rippled to all parts of the globe and gathered various fans, obsessed with
their original yet mesmerizing sound.
Two years since releasing their debut album, people are
still discovering and raving about the dynamic musical group. Answering many
cries for new material, Alt-J finally released their anticipated sophomore
album, This Is All Yours. Their long
awaited album opened doors for the group and showed off their harmonious skills
and new instruments. Developing their sound and using their tracks to simulate
a vibrant journey to the instrumental land of Nara, This Is All Yours stands alone as an independent album and adds a
new edge to the talented group of composers.
Commencing the expedition with layers of harmonies, “Intro”
takes off and introduces the new sounds and instruments the band has discovered
during their off season. Echoing cries bounce between intense drums and
rhythmic sitars that whisk you away into the expected fast pace album ahead.
However the group changes the game by slowing down the speed as they move into
“Arrival In Nara”. Composing beautiful piano and violin symphonies as soft
vocals run over the smooth tracks, you truly are taken into the secret world of
Alt-J.
Once arriving in “Nara”, a love song picks up with an array
of “Hallelujahs” and heavy bass that contorts the simple lyrics into a dark,
twisted love poem. Continuing the love affair progresses, “Every Other Freckle”,
“Garden of England” and “Choice Kingdom” adds to the adventure with marching
band interludes and flute solos that appear to be summoning Cupid himself.
Shifting gears, “Hunger of the Pine” slowly crescendos into deep,
brass instruments that turns into a lounge-esque track, sampling Miley Cyrus’ song
“4x4” from her album Bangerz. An interesting
single for Alt-J, but the track works out well and keeps you wanting more as
the music decrescendos. After the rough bass dies out, light harp strums filter
in as “Warm Foothills” enters and transitions into coupled songs, “The Gospel
of John Hurt” and “Pusher”. The group’s ability to transition from harsh sounds
to easygoing songs shows the incredible range the group contains in their
albums.
Ending the epic journey of This Is All Yours, “Bloodflood Pt. II” and “Leaving Nara” exits the
magical land and references older tracks from their previous album with the
same doo-wops and melodies. Using synthetic beats and harmonies to end the album,
Alt-J brings out all of their instruments, new and old, for one marvelous,
collaborative dénouement.
Although the album is an auditory experience, the single “Left
Hand Free” replicates a 1960’s pop single with a catchy chorus and bopping
beat, straying away from the Alt-J’s expected sound. Considering they are far
from “radio material”, this song appears out of place from the album, however
it is a great tune to enjoy on a sunny afternoon.
Trumping expectations, Alt-J releases a dynamic album
featuring new sounds, intense harmonies, and creates more waves in the music
industry. For what little exposure the group has, music listeners would benefit
greatly by discovering this talented group of composers that consistently outdo
themselves with every progressing track. Using a variety of musical elements,
technology and instruments, Alt-J is a band that deserves to be heard by
everyone, whether it’s their debut album that started it all, An Awesome Wave, or their latest
installment, This Is All Yours.
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