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
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 (2012)
- This is All Yours (2014)
- Relaxer (2017)
- Reduxer (Relaxer remixes, 2018)
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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