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alt-J


Country of origin:

England

Type of music generally:

Alternative evocative/eclectic alternative pop

Status:

Most recent release, Reduxer (Relaxer remixes, 2018)

See also:

alt-J's site

Wikipedia's page for alt-J

Comparisons:

Other indierock bands

Covers/own material:

Own

General comments:

An indierock band with a special gift for catchy oddball tunes. (Neile)

Recommended first album:

An Awesome Wave

Recordings:


An Awesome Wave

Release info:

2012—Canvasback/Atlantic—531756-2

Availability:

Wide

Ecto priority:

Highly recommended

Group members:

Gus Unger-Hamilton, Joe Newman, Gwil Sainsbury, Thom Sonny Green

Guest artists:

Kristy Mangan—string arrangements; violin (2, 13)
Rachael Lander—cello (13)
St. Ronan's Chamber Choir—additional vocals (10)

Produced by:

Charlie Andrew

Comments:

From the moment I heard it, I found their track "Tessellate" irresistible. In some ways they're kind of over the top, but in so many others just delightful. Best of all is that they seem to ahve a sense of humour about themselves. Besides "Tessellate" I also adore "Estocado," "Matilda," "Ms," "Fitzpleasure," "Bloodflood," and "Taro." Overall a charming release that got a ton of listens from me. Friends have been less enamoured than I, so I am willing to admit this may be an acquired taste, but wow I enjoy this album a lot. (Neile)

This is All Yours

Release info:

2014—

Availability:

Ecto priority:

Highly recommended

Group members:

Joe Newman, Gus Under-Hamilton, Thom Green

Guest artists:

Kirsty Mangan—violin, viola (2, 3, 9, 12)
Rachael Lander—cello (12)
Trevor Mires—bass trombone, tenor trombone, euphonium (12)
Beth Higham-Edwards—marimba (10)
Brett Box—extra guitar (10)
Sarah Andrew and Edwards Whiting—treble recorders
Tim Rundle—penny whistle, tenor recorder
Deborah Hamilton, Angela Ricci, Laura Barnes—-backing vocals (4)
Conor Oberst, Lianne La Havas, Sivu, Marika Hackman—vocals (9)

Produced by:

Charlie Andrew

Comments:

This one didn't grab me with the immediate hooks that An Awesome Wave did, but I really enjoy it every time I play it. The songs continue to be quirky in every way and I still find that unpredictability charming and entertaining to listen to. (Neile)

Relaxer

Release info:

2017—Infectious/Atlantic

Availability:

Wide

Ecto priority:

Recommended

Group members:

Joe Newman, Gus Under-Hamilton, Thom Green

Guest artists:

Ellie Rowsell—additional vocals

Produced by:

Charlie Andrew

Comments:

I can only ditto my comments on This is All Yours: this one didn't grab me as much as An Awesome Wave did, but I really enjoy it every time I play it. The quirky unpredictability charms me. (Neile)

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