Alphabeat: This is Alphabeat
Alphabeat - cute and cuddly pop
Monday, 02, Jun 2008 11:14
Charisma/EMI, out June 2nd .
In a nutshell...
Sparkly, refreshing, footloose, jolly, infectious
What's it all about?
A brilliant pop album that's sure to kick up a storm. It's a refreshing and welcome change to the mass invasion of indie rock hitting the charts at the moment. This is Alphabeat is certain to become a huge triumph, following in the hypothetically immense footsteps of pint-sized fellow Nordic pop princess Robyn, who became a veritable chart sensation in the summer of 2007. There are ten tracks in total on this album, each as good as the last, delightfully arranged in a story-like manner. Their singles Fascination and 10,000 Nights don't stand out as much as you'd expect as all other tracks have potential to be released as singles. Only the last track, Nothing But My Baby might leave you hesitant to hit the dance floor - a perfect conclusion to an otherwise energetic compilation.
Who's it by?
A six piece band from Denmark's answer to Motown - the small town of Silkeborg. They are five men, three of which are called Anders, and one adorable female vocalist who goes by the name Stine Bramsen.
Alphabeat have enjoyed a huge success in their home country of Denmark where their debut album has already gone platinum. They are already a firm favourite on 2008's international festival circuit. So many influences become apparent on this album, it's difficult to confine them to one genre. They acknowledge bands ranging from the Beatles to Wham!, including hints of Kylie Minogue-esque pop from the 1980s.
As an example...
"They'll do the tricks, the Fantastic 6/Come on, don't be hysterical - it's the making of a miracle." - Fantastic 6 - This sounds like a prophecy...
Likelihood of a trip to the Grammys
According to the NME, they are the best Scandanavian band since ABBA. I do believe this statement could be true. Best pop band of 2008? Oh yes.
What the others say
"It's pop for blaring out when the sun has its hat firmly on, and, at only 10 tracks, remains a blast throughout." - Guardian
"The Copenhagen band say that their ambition is to get everyone dancing to their music for an hour a day. If there's more where this song came from, they might just manage it." - Independent
So is it any good?
Totally brilliant. A dazzling album with so much to offer there's not a single track that won't capture your attention. It will provide enjoyment for absolutely anyone who claims to like pop music. It's not often an album deserves full marks but there really is no fault to be found on this album. It's everything you would expect from a first-class pop band and more. The lyrics are sometimes a bit corny but this isn't meant to be poetry. It truly is pop music at its best.
The album is an essential accessory for the summer, most definitely not one to be missed. And with so many opportunities to catch them this summer, there are no excuses not to see them in the flesh.
10/10
Elise Pithouse