An Awesome Wave

Artist: Alt-J

Released: May 2012

Length: 48m 42s

My review:

Alt-J scooped the mercury music prize in 2012 and with good reason, this album is all killer no filler. Rich in dynamic low end bass as well as more classical instruments from piano to acoustic guitar, it manages to keep a firm footing in both while producing something greater than the sum of its parts.

The addition of distorted and often whacky vocals to catchy and simple melodies produces a very distinct sound, one that remains relatable and inclusive by inviting the listener to sing along and become part of the music. All of these elements weave together beautifully to give this album a totally unique sound and one that refuses to be defined by a moment in time or a single genre. It still sounds as fresh and innovative as the day it was released, more than a decade ago, no mean feat when most of pop music was trending towards generic singles and one hit wonders that would be rapidly regurgitated in a seemingly endless cycle.

The interludes in this album are used to great effect, calm and beautiful pieces of music in their own right, they act almost like palate cleansers, resetting the mood and bringing the listener back down after reaching the different highs. This allows you to be taken off in a new direction, while still all encompassed in that unique, but familiar style that Alt-J brings. Continuity and coherence are attributes which for me make a great album, and An Awesome Wave has both of these in abundance.

This is the type of album I listen to all the way through and love every minute, at the end of each song I remember how great the next one is. A fantastic record jam packed with hits, a true classic, thank you Alt-J! 

Stand out song: Dissolve Me 

This was always going to be a difficult choice, but for me I feel that Dissolve Me perfectly encapsulates the mood of the album. Flipping the record to find you have another side of tracks to listen to is always a good feeling, and what a way to kick the B side off. With its initial and infectious high end loop you are already drawn in, then the introduction of that simple but resonant bass line that is so cleverly employed, excluding it from whole chunks of the song. The vocals are utilised like an instrument, with its own melody, especially in the quieter sections, before bringing back all the components again for the big crescendos. I love the use of volume on this track, there are loud parts with several instruments all playing harmoniously together, then all the elements are stripped back and you are left with a single isolated voice. That contrast is accentuated during this song in particular, but it is also a theme that runs throughout the album as a whole.

When to listen: 

I like to listen to this album when I first wake up, with a gentle intro to ease you into the day, it is always guaranteed to put me in a good mood. It seems fitting to pick this album as my first choice as we enter a new year, starting things off the way I intend to continue, with a positive outlook and some great music. 

Spotify: Listen here

Vinyl:

The cover art for this one is beautiful. I have the white LP version pressed in the UK, the quality is fantastic and the dynamic range is brilliant - Discogs link

Other useful links:

Band page for music & merch - https://altjband.com/

If you like this try these:

Jitwam - Honeycomb

Ross From Friends - Tread 

Caribou - Suddenly