AElbf_2015

UK band ALTER EDEN was formed in 2014, founded by Nick Pilgrim (formerly of Blue Origin) and Alex Coleman, and completed with the additions of bassist Matt Latham and drummer Simon Whitney. They are currently laying down the finishing touches for their debut EP “Fearless”, and will release the digital single “Let’s Be Fearless” later in March 2015 as a taste of what’s to come.

Just how much you can say about a band on the basis of a single song is rather limited, but if their forthcoming EP follows the tendencies of this initial single those with a fascination for bands commonly described as indie and alternative rock will probably have something to look forward to. This 4 minute affair is a tight one, initially combining delicate, light toned arrangements of the kind where the origins of the sound can be traced back to good, old U2 with harder edged, dark compact guitar riffs coming into play for a fairly slow paced and intense chorus, complete with a raspier, emotional lead vocal for additional impact value. As the song develops the guitar riffs take up more of a dominant role, with a slight detour into grunge related territories for the instrumental section midways, and then concludes on a frail, delicate and emotional note with an alternative light toned version of the chorus section.

Well made and well executed music, well placed within an alternative rock context, with some indie rock flavors on one hand and some metal-tinged excursions on the other adding scope and variation. Among the band’s stated influences you’ll find names such as Tool and Muse mentioned, and I suspect those who enjoy both of those bands should find this track to be a worthwhile experience.

My rating: 80/100