Alt-J - An Awesome Wave

Hijinx
Member

I'm wondering how many more listens it will take before I stop thinking this album is just weird. Not bad by any measure, but very odd. And not just in sound, but in structure. Starts with an intro which leads into the first of three interludes! This leads to a severe lack of tracks that stand out compared to total number. That being said, they're definitely there. "Breezeblocks" goes without saying, but then chuck on "Something Good" & "Fitzpleasure" strategically along the way and the album doesn't wear on me too much. I'm having trouble placing the appeal of the band because they don't really sound like anything I've come across prior. That's a good thing though, but being original isn't enough to justify it if there's nothing of worth to be had. I'd be interested to hear another album from them, but I hope by then, they've refined exactly what it is that they're going for, because I still find myself confused.

bluezombie
Member

It is indeed a bizarre album but I do find it weirdly enjoyable. Sometimes for me being completely different is enough and even if it's far from perfect and sometimes doesn't work, I can still enjoy it, even if I'm just loving the absurdity. Breezeblocks is so utterly cool though.

irelander
Member

My opinion is that a major reason why they've gathered so much popularity with this album is because of its quirkiness. The unique vocals, the almost techno-sounding percussion at times and the weirdly melodic guitar riffs help form this bizarre sound of theirs. It sort of falls away in the last few tracks, but not enough to severely impact on the record as a whole. 'Breezeblocks' and 'Tessellate' are my favourites, where lately I've found the latter to be my absolute favourite.