Alphabet Backwards is a British indie pop band engaged in the intent to write and record three separate releases in a year. Alone without the need of studios or labels and with, in the words of the band, “a ferocious work ethic, some home recording equipment, and an element of freedom that has not been there in the past, “ the band now release the first of these endeavours in the magnetic shape of double A-sided single, Fingertips/Indian Summer. It is a bewitching couple of songs which merge seductive elegance with melancholic charm, not tracks to ignite an instant roar of lust but persuasions which get under the skin with increasing success.
Hailing out of Oxford and seemingly having been around for a few years with a handful or so of releases under their belt, the quintet of Josh, Steph, Paul, Bob Tom, and James spent a weekend at Buckhouse Farm in a remote part of Devon, to create and record their new single, a process to be repeated twice more for their next two propositions in 2015. The band spent the time “playing, writing, recording, eating together, and collapsing in the early hours of each morning all for the sake of pop music.” What emerged was two slices of captivation thick in emotive invention and in the case of Fingertips, summery tenacity.
The song straight away cradles ears in a smiling embrace of sultry keys, harmonious vocals, and percussive enticing. Almost as immediately, various synth colours add their fizzing spicery to proceedings, unveiling an imaginative and vibrantly simmering collection of textures as a down to earth dark bassline adds a great tempering yet inviting contrast. The song continues to stroll with a warm grin on its creative lips and dark emotional shadow in its heart, its infectiousness as addictive as the great vocals and ripe charm within it.
Indian Summer is a much more sobering though no less fascinating proposition. Keys and voice are again the main source of emotion and tempting but backed by a gentle rhythmic shuffle within a slow melancholic musical croon. No aspect stands out over another to be honest yet the thick and pungent nature of melodies and the impressive mix of vocals draw a focal point within which the track’s lyrical strength flourishes.
Both songs provide an intriguing potential loaded and highly enjoyable offering and if Alphabet Backward’s upcoming releases can match this, the band is destined to be heartily talked of by the end of the year if not sooner.
Fingertips/Indian Summer is available now @ https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/fingertips-indian-summer-single/id968949563
Upcoming Alphabet Backwards Live Dates:
2nd April – Oxford – Tiny tiny tiny tiny festival and purely acoustic
11th April – Oxford – Wheatsheaf
17th April – Cardiff – Buffalo Bar
24th April – Nottingham – Jam cafe
16th May – London – The Finsbury
http://www.alphabetbackwards.net/ https://www.facebook.com/alphabackwards
RingMaster 31/03/2015
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