Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
"Although this Connecticut band has yet to strike a major label deal, the sound of their independent debut is quite polished. Alpines' strong arrangements, soaring melodies and intelligent lyrics are sure to appeal to fans of Keane, Morrissey, early U2, Coldplay, Crowded House and Tommy Keene. Clearly a band to look out for in 2007." - Rob Farrish, WESU 88.1 FM
“[Alpines] took the stage and gave a more organic, Coldplay-like set. These guys were the biggest surprise of the night for me. It's the kind of music that fails easily, but the quartet pulled it off and really kept me interested. Singer Jon Ericson's got a great voice and uses it really well while fronting the very tight band” - Patrick Ferrucci, Entertainment Editor
“[Alpines] had an unusual style that caught me off guard. They played a trippy, slow-rock sound, which one of the judges compared to Radiohead. Their set was very relaxing and overall enjoyable. The guitarist used a series of effects and pedals to create synthesizer sounds that flowed beautifully.” - Chris Clark
"I'm really glad to hear this well-written and well-executed performance... great drumming... and the guitar tones ring out like bells" - The World's Leading Independent A&R Company
"On first listen you’ll swear this Connecticut-based band put some fair winds behind “Brittle Sails” to come from across the pond. In fact many have compared the band’s sound to British pop, but after a good listen labeling the Alpines proves more difficult. Their lyrics are more honest and the music has a more compelling down to earth feel. Jon Ericson’s thoughtful lyrics put a sense of subtle urgency on the irony of everyday life. Musicianship is excellent and surprisingly mature considering these guys are relatively new arrivals.
The Alpines are focused on the song, not their individual parts. The result is a sound and songs that are very tight, honest and connect with the listener. In Brittle Sails (my favorite track) Ericson speaks to “the thrill of getting nowhere”. But if their debut album is any indication these guys should be in for bigger thrills down the road.” - Pat Doyle
"Alpines' Jon Ericson can sing and on his band's debut disc he belts them out. The record is a rousing affair, near operatic at times... The band is heavily influenced by Coldplay's theatrics... Radiohead's dramatics and of course haunted by Jeff Buckley's wail. Once Alpines discover Talk Talk's obtuseness, The Smiths' swagger and Slowdive's range, then lookout, as they won't be strange company for long!" - David Lewis
Discography
Strange Company EP 2006
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
"All songs are cliches" proclaims Alpines singer/songwriter Jon Ericson on the band's debut EP Strange Company. The irony here though is that although Alpines' Brit-pop influences are not difficult to detect, the band never resorts to cliches. Ericson takes a more subtle approach with his songwriting rather than trying to hit the listener over the head with quick, catchy hooks. So if the current state of catch-phrase songwriting that seems to be monopolizing the mainstream airwaves is getting on your nerves (like it is mine) then Strange Company is certainly worth a listen. It is the sort of album whose songs are enjoyable on the first listen but become more appealing and compelling with repeated listens.
While Ericson is the band's main songwriter, this album certainly has the feel of a full band effort. Much in the same way Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland left their trademark playing on Sting's best songs, the other members of Alpines flavor Ericson's songs with some very strong performances.
The band's rhythm section (drummer Dave Zerio and bassist Rich Nowak) provide a solid, tight foundation for the songs with Zerio's drumming often recalling Manu Katche's work with Peter Gabriel. Guitarist Rich DeVito shines as well. Rather than trying to monopolize the sound with in-your-face solos or heavy power chords, DeVito's guitar work provides a good melodic counterpoint to Ericson's melodies.
Although this Connecticut band has yet to strike a major label deal, the sound of their independent debut is quite polished. Alpines' strong arrangements, soaring melodies and intelligent lyrics are sure to appeal to fans of Keane, Morrissey, early U2, Coldplay, Crowded House and Tommy Keene. Clearly a band to look out for in 2007.
::Rob Farrish, WESU 88.1 FM::
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