Alpha feat. Hannah Collins – Covers Been Blown
Eleventh Trip is the seventh proper full-length release from Alpha (not including remixes or collaborative efforts), and is a proper return to form for the group after the slightly disappointing Sky Is Mine (though perhaps that’s partially because of the strong standard set by ComeFromHeaven, The Impossible Thrill and Stargazing, which are three of my favorite trip-hop records, let along my favorite releases from this band). Founding member Corin Dingley once again is the primary beat maker and the tracks are often just as luscious as you’d expect from an Alpha production. What seemed missing from the prior release is very much in evidence here, with the added vocals of Hannah Collins and Duncan Atwood along with longtime member Wendy Stubbs. Atwood’s vocals are the most revelatory for me, as a major fan of former vocalist Martin Bernard. Atwood’s phrasing and style is more than a bit reminiscient of Bernard’s which means every track he’s featured on is a swooner for sure, with “Down” as the stand out. Though I’m most drawn to Atwood’s voice, Collins’ tracks appear to be the strongest on the album, particularly “Covers Been Blown” with its steady drums and her slightly haltering and plaintive vocals. Like being reunited with a dear old friend after many years, it’s truly a pleasure to spend time again in the lush and lovely world of Alpha. 15 years since they emerged on the scene, few bands are capable of such lush and lovely sounds, let’s hope we don’t have to wait another 5 years for even more music.