Alt-J consists of Joe Newman, Gus Unger-Hamilton and Thom Green. Their second album, This Is All Yours, comes out September 23rd via Canvasback/Infectious Music.
If you do some Facebook stalking, as I like to do with all artists I review, you learn something about alt-J. The name translates into a symbol; the combination on a Mac creates a delta, ∆ (try it, it’s fun). The symbol represents the band’s transition in life, past and future. It can easily be applied to This Is All Yours, as it is an album of versatility and range. ∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆sorry∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆
The album opens with “Intro,” a rhythmic entrance with echo effects and a tribal feel that reoccurs throughout the album; the track moves into distorted, deep lyrics. Slow it down in “Arrival in Nara,” which opens softly with a delicate piano. The tempo picks up a bit in “Nara,” which also uses the combination of tribal, ambient and techno sounds. Both songs display alt-J’s folk persona. The album continues to journey through this place, finally ending with “Leaving Nara.” Based on the following tracks, might it resemble a jungle or garden of some sort? A place of serenity and youthful freedom? Alt-J, answer me.
“Every Other Freckle” transforms the slow and soft into quick and sensual with unaltered vocals. This track strays a little from the previous techno sounds and takes on a modern rock aura with vibrating bass and natural guitar combinations…and a little flute at 1:34 – can’t beat it. The sound expands into “Left Hand Free,” which is currently making its rounds on alternative radio stations nationwide, shows Alt-J’s upbeat, fun side. It’s fun to sing if you can keep up.
“Garden of England” acts as an ambient instrumental intermission, using bird sounds to imitate the feeling of being in a garden, and soothing wind instruments. Followed by “Choice of Kingdom,” a folk lullaby.
Enter a personal favorite, “Hunger of the Pine.” Although this song is great for feeling like a badass in the car driving 70 mph, context takes it to a new level. The music video is intense and moving. It features a man running through a field from a copious amount of arrows, source unknown. He is hit multiple times but is determined to keep running, destination unknown. The final shot is unexpected but does not deter the man. After watching the video, I felt more thoughtful than rebellious. Nevertheless, Alt-J’s combination of techno beats, horn instruments and a natural voice (not to mention an excerpt from Miley Cyrus’ song “4×4”) add to the albums layers and versatility.
On the other hand, “Pusher” is beautiful in its simplicity. Natural vocals and guitar make the track mellow and ethereal. Finally, “Leaving Nara” gets back to the ambient tribal sounds we hear in “Arrival in Nara,” as well as synthesizer beats that seem to complement the slower folk songs of the album. The entire album comes full circle, a complete journey through Nara. The unlikely combinations of tracks and the instruments within them make This is All Yours unique and hypnotizing.
Oh wait! Bonus track. One last track to end on an optimistic note with “Lovely Day:” “Just one look at you, and I know it’s gonna be a lovely day.”
6/5 – but seriously. In love.
Nikki grew up in an imitation German town in Georgia by the name of Helen. It wasn’t until middle school that she started to get interested in the arts: painting, music, and writing. She wrote in her diary, sketched in art class and listened to regretful music. By high school, her tastes became a little more refined. She found Fiona Apple, Lou Reed and Giant Drag, and they remain her favorites in college. She was accepted to the University of Georgia in 2012 and is currently majoring in English. Upon moving to Athens from a town with more trees than people, Nikki was a bit overwhelmed. However, there is certainly no lack of inspiration in Athens, and she appreciates its love for the arts and its service as a platform.