Alt-J: The Unconventional Alchemy of Sound
Artist Highlight via Kenzie Gay - @kenzwrites
Leeds. The English city is a cesspool of culture, home to a vibrant arts scene with rich heritage. Several artists have emerged from this great city such as Meat Loaf, Soft Cell, Pulp, The Sisters of Mercy, Chumbawumba, and more over the years, most of which reside in genres of 80s synth pop and varied punk styles. These musical approaches seem to be what the local crowds gravitate towards due to its sheer popularity by region though there is a band that defied these expectations, a band that hit the ground running from their 2012 debut album that had people hungry for more.
That band is none other than Alt-J, a group that’s had hit after hit yet they still manage to be “unknown” by name.
Alt-J, right photo via Benny Masterson
What is Alt-J?
A current trio composed of Joe Newman (vocals, guitar), Gus Unger-Hamilton (vocals, keyboards), and Thom Green (drums), Alt-J is one of the most unorthodox bands to ever break through the mainstream barriers in the last decade. Though the band is categorized as traditional indie rock, they have repeatedly shown their innovation and creativity as they push the boundaries of what listeners know about indie rock. They’re also known for their captivating live performances that often incorporate striking visuals and a dynamic stage presence. Their ability to blend genres while maintaining a unique sound has garnered them a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim worldwide, making them a significant force in contemporary music.
Alt - J: The Music
Everything set itself into an intense motion once the band dropped their debut album in the spring of 2012, An Awesome Wave. As of publishing, this record still stands as Alt-J’s most acclaimed collection of songs, held in high regard by listeners and critics alike for its haunting lyricism, otherworldly sound elements, and generally disorienting vibe. Tracks such as Something Good and Taro have particularly been recognized as ethereal tracks by fans on Reddit and songs like Breezeblocks and Fitzpleasure even went viral on the video platform Tiktok’s previous title, Musical.ly. The album revolves around emotions of love and loss, its aspect of storytelling adding further depth for listeners, a large reason why this album is still viewed as a significant contribution to the indie music landscape.
Moving forward from An Awesome Wave, Alt-J would go on to release their sophomore album, This is All Yours, in 2014 a short two years later. This album is most notably recognized for its fifth track, a song called Left Hand Free. It first garnered attention from listeners due to its carefree attitude, its vivid imagery, its playful language, and its blend of indie and blues influence. It wouldn’t become a monumental piece of the band and their legacy, however, until April of 2020 when the hit television series Outer Banks debuted with Left Hand Free being its theme song. This canon event shot streams up beyond belief, garnering the band a tsunami of new fans in one motion. Aside from Left Hand Free, the songs Warm Foothills and Every Other Freckle are also outstandingly prominent songs amongst This Is All Yours.
Though Alt-J’s first two albums are undoubtedly their most significant, the band also has a handful of other full length records that hold the same ingenuity and prowess as their predecessors. 2017’s RELAXER explores newer concepts and even includes a rendition of the renowned House of the Rising Sun that several trailblazers such as Bob Dylan, Nina Simone, The Animals, and more have covered in the past.
After RELAXER came Reduxer in 2018 that merely re-envisioned the songs off of RELAXER through collaborations (Pusha T, Kontra K, etc.) and in 2022 the band brought listeners their fourth album titled The Dream. The Dream maintained Alt-J’s established sound unlike RELAXER and Reduxer, featuring more intricate arrangements and layered vocals through notable tracks Hard Drive Gold, The Actor, and U&ME. Critics praised the album for its balance and its rich lyricism that deals with themes of identity, nostalgia, and culture. The Dream also has a alternative remixed version that came shortly after the deluxe album, Alt-J’s last released work as of publishing.
Alt - J : Down The Road
As of publishing (10/15/2024), Alt-J has been deemed “off grid” by fans online. The band has been inactive on all forms of social media aside from throwback videos since their run for An Awesome Wave’s 10th Anniversary tour finished up and nothing concrete has been announced in regard to new music or show dates.
