ALT-J

alt-j, Leeds, U.K. indie/art band has developed a psychosis. On their previous two albums, An Awesome Wave and This Is All Yours, alt-j collected bountiful awards and accolades. The band’s stylish orchestrated sound hit a nerve with both critics and fans. With their third Release, Relaxer, alt-j have cultivated a case of multiple personalities.

On Relaxer, each song has a life of its own.They range from melancholy folk to garage rock minimalism. Add in Joe Newman’s eclectic lyrics and Relaxer is an exercise in diversity.

The record opens with “3ww” , a brooding country lilt that is eerily beautiful. The ethereal  string arrangements and woodwinds work well with Newman’s stripped down vocals. Next up is “In Cold Blood”, alt-j’s indie radio hit. It’s a rousing rocker with synth horns and a quirky ambient backdrop. Afterwards the “House of the Rising Sun” gets an alt-j bastardization. They transform the folk standard into a yearning pastoral dirge.

“Hit Me Like That Snare” is a minimalistic sex anthem that pays tribute to Richard Hell/garage band angst. The song is a major departure in style for alt-j and the experiment works on several levels but ultimately falls apart. Newman’s lyrics and bravado are definitely on the further edge of the alt-j spectrum. “Deadcrush”, another single, works well with alternative radio with its Indian flavor and mumbled vocals.

The next three songs are the most cohesive on Relaxer and brings alt-j back to their folksy comfort zone. “Adeline” is a refined ballad with dreamy vocals, swirling strings, and atmospheric textures. “Last Year” is a reflective tune reminiscent of Simon and Garfunkel and probably the unsung hit on Relaxer with its myriad layers of earthiness. The last track is “Pleader” with a hymnal church feel. A fitting end to such a divergent album.

Relaxer is definitely an acquired taste but after multiple listening’s the jewel it is shines through, There is one thing that is evident. alt-j needs to finely tune its true identity. Will the real alt-j please stand up.

alt-j

• Joe Newman——————-Vocals/Guitar
• Them Green——————–Drums
• Gus Unger-Hamilton———-Keyboards/Vocals

Relaxer is alt-j’s third album

• An Awesome Wave———–2012 Canvasback
• This Is All Yours—————-2014 Atlantic
• Relaxer—————————2017 Atlantic/Infectious

alt-j is currently on tour.

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