Sometimes luxuriant, sometimes delicate and sober, imposing, but also loaded with an elegant finesse: the new offering of Alt-J is the fabulous evolution of an already remarkable group.
Posted at 7:30 a.m.
The DreamBritish Alt-J’s first album since Relax, in 2017, is not their easiest listening album. However, parts like U&MEa fable to Radiohead-esque detail, or Get Bettera perfect folk ballad, have the authority to persuade many of the genius of Alt-J.
Also, it will be enough for long-time admirers to launch the first track of this 50-minute album to be reassured in their affection for the group. It is a promise. The song bane encompasses all that these musicians do best, while offering a new color, which unfolds over the disc.
We are still dealing with these ubiquitous but never intrusive guitars, these hazy tones, the bewitching nasal voice of Joe Newman, the always well-calculated intervention of the strings, these comings and goings between indie-rock , art and electro-folk.
And yet, there is no doubt that Alt-J’s offer is no longer really the same. It has never stopped evolving, slowly, since the fantastic first album, An Awesome Wave, and this time it’s for the best. More generous and less gloomy, The Dream strikes a lovely balance in both melody and production.
The Brits also took a more personal approach to the lyrics, a refreshing turn. We are still entitled to fictional stories as Alt-J knows how to do so well, for example in the captivating philadelphia (also very Radiohead-esque), simply masterful.
In a text from RollingStone where the trio discuss this “masterpiece” (the words are from the journalist, which we will not contradict), there is a quote from their manager: Alt-J is the greatest band that no one has heard of. That’s what makes it so valuable. These musicians are unique and formidable, but evolve in a path parallel to that of the mainstream. We love Alt-J’s music the way we love a dish with flavors that are undeniably tasty, but difficult to describe. You have to taste it to really understand.
indie rock
The Dream
Alt-J
Atlantic