An Awesome Wave
Named after the keystroke for making a delta (i.e., triangle) sign on a Mac by holding down the Alt and J keys, the Leeds, England–based trio Alt-J is inspired by the symbol’s mathematical definition of change. This makes sense upon hearing the band’s handsome 2012 debut album, *An Awesome Wave*. Its take on postmodern pop mines the best elements from folk-rock, garage rock, dub-pop, indie rock, vintage cinema scores, and a cappella harmony before constructing layered, angular arrangements with sonic ore. Following a dramatic piano part, the opening “Intro” weaves heavily reverberated baritone guitar leads (à la Ennio Morricone) over and around looped beats and random vocal samples that all come together to play like the sons of The Beta Band. These contrast the pointed, geometric arrangements of “Tessellate” with Joe Newman’s flowing, throaty vocals and backing harmonies, which hover above the music like those of Fleet Foxes. Then, in “Breezeblocks”—a mechanically grooving standout in which a toy piano provides the lead—he inflects like Devendra Banhart imitating Jason Mraz, with overt affectation. \"Hand Made” closes with folky minimalism.
Alt-J's debut album went Top 20 in the UK, and they're favorites to win November's Mercury Music Prize. The Cambridge-based pop band's been described as "the new Radiohead," but that tag ultimately says more about lowered standards.
The A.V. Club reviews a lot of records every week, but some things still slip through the cracks. Stuff We Missed looks back at notable releases from this year that we didn't review at their time of release.
Named after the Mac command also used as a mathematical equation to show change, formed while studying fine art at university, and prone to throwing in the odd geometric reference within their lyrics, there are signs that Cambridge-based quartet Alt-J might be a little bit too clever for their own good.
'Radiohead comparisons come to mind - but only due to the same high quality of the album' /> <meta name=
An Awesome Wave, alt-J's debut record of offbeat love songs and weird odes to geometry, has already become a surprise hit in their native country.
Freemasons rejoice! As a shape, and sometime symbol, the triangle is getting excellent press at the moment.
Alt-J prove that any list of rules for success in today’s music business are bogus.