I stumbled across these guys on Bandcamp and couldn’t help buying they’re newly released EP. Starting out with the title track, from the first listen it’s clear these two possess an enormous amount of talent. Lesser’s rhythmic, soulful vocals sit beautifully atop the low, thick synth sounds that underpin the song, while the beat, although sparse, is constant and driving.
Other standouts include the sultry “Turn It Over” and the slightly more upbeat “Next”. All these songs encompass what’s best about ALTA and that’s their restraint. Just when you think that they might go a bit far and bring in a heavier sound they cut it back and slowly begin reconstruction. However, in my opinion the best-written song on the EP has to be “Big Smoke”. Right away the production grabs you with some of the most interesting use of looping hand claps I’ve ever heard and lyrically bursting forth with bright eyed enthusiasm and naiveté only to be brought back to earth with the hook, “Just you wait and see”.
I think there are some big things in store for ALTA, and how can there not be when the only way I can think to describe their music is Erykah Badu on a heavy dose of horse tranquilisers. All I can say is I’m hoping for a Sydney tour soon.
