The ALT
Album: the ALT
Label: The Arch
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.thealtmusic.com

What amazing voices. I was completely knocked off my feet by the powerful and striking vocal sounds that blasted out of my speakers when I loaded this album. This fine collection of songs I think has struck the balance of one of the perfect albums, great vocals, talented use of instruments and a great choice of songs. 'Lovely Nancy', 'The Eighteenth of June' and 'Willie Angler' are old time favourites that the Alt have perfectly commissioned with their own personal spins.

I have always been fond of the Irish accent and this band really enforces that for me, to say that they sing these songs magically would be an injustice. I would say almost that they float the songs through you, really allowing the listener to capture the beauty if each and every song.

No song on this album is a disappointment; we get a good insight into each story, making the words an integral part of each song, rather than the garnish they can sometimes be used as. The Alt make storytelling special, even the instrumental songs like 'The Geese in the Bog/ Covering Ground' tells a story in its own way, it certainly paints images for me.

I enjoy the way all three of the talented members if the Alt share leads and lime light, I think you can tell in the music how much fun the band had recording this album, even though the music is calm in temperament you can still feel the excitement and enjoyment leaking through.

Only a small selection of instruments are used in the album, but each is handled and used in such ways that you get significantly different sounds generated, like true masters of their craft. These experienced musicians made a great move by coming together and between them I am sure they can continue to generate more beautiful songs for a very long time to come.

Paul Rawcliffe