MUSIC MONDAYS: Alt-J
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PHOTOGRAPHED by KY MEYER
REVIEW WRITTEN BY PAMELA ANDINO
Episode 007: Alt-J
A confident band entirely comfortable with their sound, Alt-J took the stage in Houston at White Oak Music Hall under a November Texas sky. Dubbed a “New Radiohead”, the young British rockers filled the outdoor amphitheater, which holds over 3,000 fans. A thoughtful stage, reminiscent of their 2015 ACL appearance, with LED panels, intermittent green lights, and a soft fog, divided three equal sections for the harmonious sounds of keyboard, bass, and drums. Their creative use of space provides for a 3-dimensional experience, which compliments vocals that serenade their audience.
Leading most of the evening with new songs from their latest album “RELAXER”, Alt-J dove into a gentle percussion with “3WWW” which silenced the anxious crowd as a ripple of gentle vocals engulfed the open air. The electronic trio’s hauntingly ethereal sound danced over the smoke and lights that created a trance effect for their audience. Lead singer, Jon Newman, did not disappoint with vocals that carried each song under a controlled essence of musical elements. The group held true to their signature sound of unique blended vocals through their phenomenal live performance that mimicked a full choir with supplemental staccato like sounds by members Gus Unger-Hamilton (keyboard) and Thom Sonny Green (drums).
Varying reviews about their latest album were squashed with the live concert that created a hi-fi system to sound several hundred pounds more powerful. The delightfully strange and melodious songs played as a love letter to Alt-J fans. The bands trifecta of sound is subtly powerful as each member delivers a calculated disjunction of distinct alternative music and lyrics.
Of course for fans of albums “An Awesome Wave” and “It’s All Yours”, the bands considerate set list included favorites “Left Hand Free”, “Fitzpleasure”, and their most popular single “Breezeblocks”. Hoping their return to Houston is not delayed so more people can experience this unique and high quality show first hand. The seamless transition from album to album created a melodrama for an amphitheater full of raised hands, bobbing heads, and swaying bodies. With the perfect combination of a steady breeze, a stunning LED light show, and high vocals, which seemed effortless, Alt-J left Houston craving more of the bands folk infused indie rock.
DON'T MISS OUT ON UPCOMING SHOWS!
Check the schedule at:
www.livenation.com
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See you next time for more Music Mondays!
ABOUT KY MEYER
Ky Meyer is a television veteran with nearly two decades in front and behind the camera. Her love for people and storytelling has taken her all over the country, creating a well-known colorful platform of creativity, positivity and fun. Her hat rack is packed with award-winning roles as a news anchor and reporter, executive producer, writer, radio personality, TV host and photographer.
ABOUT PAMELA ANDINO
www.ubertinaproductions.com
www.kaleidoscopehouston.com
As a Houstonian transplanted from the Bay Area in California, Pamela has graduated from the University of Houston , attended South Texas College of Law while continuously serving as an active member of several social networks, non-profit boards, and always an avid volunteer within the arts community. Her vision is always to curate within her community and be a conduit for the creative that is her surrounding. For Pamela "there is something spectacular about making an entrance and causing a scene."
