AlascA

This is Alasca’s 3rd album and they seem to be developing into a wonderful mix of psych and melody, very much reminiscent of music from the sixties but with a modern charm that really sets them apart.

Hailing from Amsterdam, the band are Frank Bond on lead vocals and guitars (also the band’s producer), Luis Van Sinderen on drums and percussion, Ferdinand Jonk on guitars, Paul Bond on keyboards – none of them household names in the UK but the quality of their playing is righteous and the songwriting is remarkable.

The element of their sound that really stands out is jangling guitars and tambourines. The keyboards are winsome and float in and out of the music perfectly and Bond’s vocals have a keen9ing pitch that is exactly right for the music they are making.

The sense of fun and excitement that the songs generate is almost physical but they manage to impart a seriousness as well when appropriate.

The album’s title track looks back to the Cuban Missile crisis and the plea for an end to the global war machine while ‘Red Herring’ has an almost Folky note to it, imagine if you will a cross between Arthur Lee’s Love and the Byrds. My personal favourite is ‘Song For Nick Drake’ – simply played but both enchanting and harrowing at the same time – much like the dearly loved and lost Nick Drake himself.

A wonderful album. Not a bad song anywhere and some superb playing and writing.