Alberteen are a band who have been touring the circuit for many years. Several albums and many tours later, the band return with double a-side single, Dark Matter / This Day Is A Gift.
The double a-side release is Alberteen’s first of 2023 and a record that sets them up for their next full length in 2024. Following on from the successful release of 2021’s ‘Lowenva’, Alberteen have picked up where they left off. Creating sardonic, personal lyricism cocooned within a maelstrom of cinematic soundscapes.
Dark Matter kicks off proceedings. The track encompasses Alberteen’s penchant for expressing their unique view of the world. Expertly delivered by singer Phil Shaw, Dark Matter is a brooding, ominous song with nods to artists such as Palace and Sebadoh. Crashing symbols and gentle melodic guitars are juxtaposed by Shaw’s baritone delivery. A delivery that is spoken directly into your soul. The song levitates itself above many other contemporaries within the lo-fi indie genre.
This Day Is A Gift is an illustration of a band with many strings to their bow. Jaunty piano and Americana-style guitar are supported by a steady bass line and foot stomping beats. This time, Shaw enters into a call and receive with his bandmates, espousing that, “…this day is a gift, if you want it to…”. The ying to Dark Matter‘s yang, This Day Is A Gift is a perfect companion and offers a snapshot of who Alberteen are.
The tracks were written at the end of the pandemic and produced by Alan D Boyd (Little Sparta). Alberteen released their debut album back in 2008 and have continued to innovate their sound ever since. Their distinctive sound has picked up impressive support over the years with God Is In The TV, Backseat Mafia, Loud and Quiet, Pop Matters, Vents Magazine all writing positively about the band. With summer coming to a close, and 2024 on the horizon, we can’t wait to hear what Alberteen have in store when they unveil their latest album next year.
Dark Matter / This Day Is A Gift is out now.