I think from the cover that The Traditional Aliens inhabit a world which contains knitted female dwarves, although I could well be wrong. This is both the debut and third album by the guys, who recently changed their name from Infinity following on from their 2017 self-titled debut and then 2020’s Icy Blue Planet. It is the same two people who have been working together since 2014 though, namely Pateriki Hura (guitar, synth bass, keyboards, sequencing) and Cameron Budge (drums). There are vocals on the title cut, but for the most part this is enjoyable instrumentals, often led by the guitar but sometimes keyboards, always with a real drummer at the back adding his own touches and nuances.
This does not sound like a studio project of just two people as it is massively layered, with great thought given to the arrangements which have just the right amount of space so every instrument can be clearly identified and its role understood. If I had been asked, I would have said this was a quartet and the musicians were all in the studio at the same time playing off each other, but as it is, I can’t work out what was laid down first, although if it had been keyboards and drums I would not be surprised. They proudly state they are not bound by genre but instead do what they want and say that within their catalogue one can hear Space Rock, Jungle Groove’s, Edgy Guitar Rock, Hip Jazz, Oriental and African flavours. I can only say talk about what is front of me as I have not heard the others, and for the most part that is middle of the road jazz with touches of soul here and funk there. Cameron is never content to just provide a straight beat and instead adds flourishes where it makes sense, yet never overplays, while Pateriki has a delicate touch on all the instruments he plays, with nice fluid bass, a strong understanding of when to use piano or organ, and a lovely guitar sound reminiscent of Dave Stryker.
This is something which is not cutting edge or driving, but instead is something to relax to and just settle into the groove being created. The name change certainly makes them stand out, and I am sure this will assist in more people finding their music and not being confused with the likes of Infinity Ritual who are a very different band indeed! Listenable and enjoyable from the beginning.
Rating: 6/10
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Track list:
1. Touch 3:49
2. Shoulder to Shoulder 2:53
3. None of the Above (Not a Bossa) 5:06
4. Prelude 2:33
5. Infinity Pt. 6 2:44
6. Infinity Pt. 7 4:44
7. What World Will You Live In 4:52
8. Days on End Pt. 4 4:11
9. Gat Black 3:17
10. The Good Morning Cereal Drama 3:59
11. The Unknown 2:32
12. Bamboo 3:16
13. The Many Colours 3:36
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