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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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DISCLAIMER: Comments and reviews in the Ectophiles' Guide are excerpted from the ecto mailing list or volunteered by members of the list. They are the opinions of music enthusiasts, not professional music critics.

Entry last updated 2021-09-05 15:11:05.
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