AlterRed

Again we find concepts at work. This five-tracker gives you excerpts from the musical soundtrack to AlterRed's stage show, a baffling steampunk-esque extravaganza that involves clockwork dolls and laughing men in straitjackets.

You might have seen it for yourself if you're in the habit of attending EBM/industrial gigs, for AlterRed have practically become the all-purpose support band for any international superstars of that ilk who're passing through the UK. KMFDM, Combichrist, Rotersand, and, erm, London After Midnight - AlterRed have been billed with 'em all. Nice work if you can get it, but how does AlterRed's own music stack up in such exalted company?

Well, even if you didn't know there's a conceptual stage act involved, you might guess, for the music does have a certain 'songs from the shows' feel to it. There are lots of lyrics, and the lyrics do seem to be telling - or, at least, illustrating - a story. Yep, there's a certain EBM influence in there - but plenty of other influences, too. A pounding electro-grind makes its presence felt here and there, but there's also precise piano and a low-down bass rumble. These are unequivocally songs, rather the beatz 'n' chantz workouts of the industrial dancefloor. There's light and shade, tension and resolution, all that good old songwriting stuff, and a sense of drama throughout.

In particular, 'Amphetamine Chic', which builds from fuzzing minimalism to a vast, swaying, anthem, is a tour de force. For AtlerRed himself to push his vocal so far to the fore on a song which has such sparse musical backing is a vote of bold confidence in his own voice. Chris Corner of IAMX would look to his laurels if he heard this one. Come to think of it, IAMX would probably be a better band for AlterRed to support than all those EBM-shouters. Time for the booking agent to get busy, I reckon. - Nemesis To Go

Alter Red is a new band that was formed in 2008. They already had the opportunity to perform as support act for very famous names like Combichrist, KMFDM, London After Midnight ao. On this debut-EP they'll try to conquer a wider audience by introducing the listeners into a very British sounding cyber-pop genre. One of the dominating elements of this band are the vocals. They're definitely pushed to the front of the production and it hurts a bit on the opening song "Fleshbind". It comes more in balance on the promising "Broken Glass". The sound here moves into some dynamic electro-pop fields, which remind me a bit of The Nine. From the 5 songs unleashed by Alter Red "Amphetamine chic" is definitely the one I'll keep in mind. This song is carried by a terrific bass line and raw, filtered sounds. Some more delicate piano sounds are adding a final touch to this cool song.
For a first release Alter Red reveals some interesting ideas, which they now have to elaborate on their further work.
(DP:6/7)DP. - Side Line Magazine

"This is the debut EP from London based band AlterRed. The band mixes together electro and industrial sounds while still manages to sound accessible to the more traditional rock fans. "Fleshbind" is a twisted dark fairy-tale of a song which you can enjoy for yourself if you put on your cover-mount CD. "Broken Glass" has bags of gothic appeal in it's more melodic synth-pop approach, while Amphetamine Chic is a powerful song with a sweeping rhythm, piano sounds and strong synth beat. This track also highlights the great vocal talent on display which reminds me a lot of Dean from Uninvited Guest. "The Patient" continues in this vein albeit in a slower way. Rounding off the EP is a remix of Fleshbind which takes the original and dirties it up a bit. The whole EP has a sort of dark circus/cabaret feel to it, aided no doubt by the striking look of the band. They have a demented quality to their music which makes it feel fresh, exciting and a little edgy. A band with great crossover potential and material that I feel may well be the future sound of the scene." - Unscene Magazine

"The initial EP captures a distinct sound for ex DUST vocalist Maeci AlterRed's eponymous new band. With crisp, clear vocals set against electronic backdrops (ranging from hard-edged-rock to softer, quirkier sounds with an occasional hint of steam-punk), it offers an atmospheric blend of dark-wave that may bode well for the band's forthcoming album." - Terrorizer